But at the time: literally “And it came to pass at the time” (see page 19). Verse 19 refers to a time later than the events of verses 17-18, though how much later is not stated.

As verse 17 states, Merab was Saul’s eldest daughter. No reason is given to explain why she was given to another man instead of to David. The end of verse 17 suggests that Saul never intended to keep his promise to David. In certain languages it will sound unnecessarily repetitious to say again so soon that Merab is Saul’s daughter. This information is given in verse 17.

The two passive forms of the verb “give” (should have been given and was given) will have to be made active, with Saul as the agent, in some languages: “Saul gave Merab … to Adriel … instead of David.” Also the verb “give” will often be better translated “cause to marry” or something similar.

Adriel the Meholathite, son of Barzillai, was from the city-state of Abel-Meholah, which is mentioned in Judges 7.22. 2 Sam 21.7-9 states that Adriel’s five sons are killed by the Gibeonites because Saul had been guilty of murder.

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 .