This verse most likely begins the words of the writer to the reader, as in Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh. On the other hand, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, and New American Bible include these words as a part of the quotation of what Jesse said beginning in verse 17. It seems strange, though, that Jesse would be telling David where Saul was camped, since David has been making regular trips back and forth from the camp to Bethlehem (see verse 15). So translators are advised to stop the quotation at the end of verse 18, as in Revised Standard Version.

Whether a part of a direct quotation or not, the referent of the pronoun they should be made clear in many languages. If this verse is taken as a comment of the writer as recommended, translators may wish to say “David’s brothers.” It may also be prudent to say “all the other men of Israel” instead of all the men of Israel, since Jesse’s sons and King Saul were also men of Israel.

Regarding the valley of Elah, see the comments on verse 2 above.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .