The order of verses 10-12 may have to be altered in some translations, since it may be more natural to have the meaning of verses 11-12 before talking about the shout of triumph proclaiming Absalom as king. If this is done the three verses should be numbered together as 10-12 (as in Contemporary English Version).

But: this translates the common Hebrew conjunction. Here some translators feel the need for a conjunction marking contrast because Absalom’s actions are different from his avowed intentions. Knox takes it in a slightly different light, translating the transition word “meanwhile.”

Secret messengers: these two words represent one word in the Hebrew. The root meaning of the noun implies “feet” going about and is elsewhere translated “spies” (1 Sam 26.4) or simply “messengers” (2 Sam 20.3). But the term is also used of “slander” in other places. Here the context suggests the idea of secrecy, but this does not necessarily have to be made explicit. In this verse the word has been rendered “spies” (New American Bible), “emissaries” (Moffatt), “couriers” (New Jerusalem Bible), and “agents” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

All the tribes of Israel: the translation of this expression is related to the question raised in the discussion of verses 2 and 6 above. Again translators are advised to take this as referring to the whole of Israel and Judah.

Absalom is king at Hebron: the purpose of having himself proclaimed king at Hebron was to show strength where David was expected to be strongest. It was at Hebron where David was first proclaimed king of Judah (2.1-4). Now Absalom strikes at the heart of his support. Translations should be careful, however, not to give the impression that Absalom is being proclaimed king only over the city of Hebron. He was claiming that city as his capital but wanted to be considered king over all Israel.

Because the direct quotations in this verse may not be natural in some languages, it may be necessary to make one or both of them indirect. One possible model:

• But Absalom sent agents to all the tribes of Israel telling them that, as soon as they heard the trumpet sound, they should shout “Absalom has become king [of Israel] in Hebron.”

Or, making both quotations indirect:

• … informing them that they should proclaim him king [of Israel], with his capital at Hebron, as soon as they heard the sound of the trumpets.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .