The verb come in the words of the messenger obviously means “return,” since Saul had just left Gibeah (see verse 19). In some languages there exists a single verb that will translate both the idea of hurrying (Make haste) and returning, similar to “hurry back” in English. Such a verb would be quite appropriate in this context.

The land refers to the “country” (New Jerusalem Bible) or territory over which Saul ruled as king, that is, the land of Israel. No doubt the messenger, like Saul, was an Israelite. For this reason Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente says “the Philistines have invaded our territory.” If translators choose to follow this model, it will be necessary to use the inclusive first person plural pronoun in languages that have that form.

The direct quotation of this verse may be made into indirect discourse according to the following model:

• Suddenly a messenger came to Saul and told him to hurry back home, because the Philistines had attacked the land of Israel.

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 .