Now there happened to be: the Hebrew verb translated by this expression may have the meaning “Now there was summoned…,” but most modern versions take it as meaning that Bichri’s presence at the time was a chance circumstance. The same verb is used of the chance encounters described in 1.6 and 18.9.
There: the adverb of location here refers to the assembly of the army of Judah and the army of Israel at Gilgal after the crossing of the Jordan, where the argument in 19.40-43 took place. It was a perfect setting for an agitator to begin making trouble.
A worthless fellow: the term so translated seems to be a favorite of the writer of the books of Samuel. It occurs at least ten times and is translated in a variety of ways according to the context: “base woman” (1 Sam 1.16), “worthless men” (1 Sam 2.12), “ill-natured fellow” (1 Sam 25.25), and “godless men” (2 Sam 23.6). In this context it has been rendered “rebellious individual” (New American Bible), “base rascal” (An American Translation), “wretch” (Moffatt), “scoundrel” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Revised English Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible), and “troublemaker” (New International Version, New Century Version, and Contemporary English Version). See the comments at 1 Sam 1.16.
Bichri: this name is transliterated “Bikri” in Good News Translation and “Bicri” in New International Version, but these forms are all based on the same Hebrew text. Some scholars identify this name with “Becorath” in 1 Sam 9.1, which would make Sheba close kin to Saul, but this identification is far from certain and should be confined to a footnote if used at all. Others think that the spelling of the name Bichri indicates that this is the name of a clan rather than an individual. In any case it is clear from the text that the opposition to David does come from the tribe of Saul, since Sheba is described as a Benjaminite.
Blew the trumpet: in Hebrew grammar, when reference is made to an object that is used for some specific purpose, the definite article is frequently used. This is a different use of the article from that in English, and it does not necessarily mean that the writer is referring to a particular or specific object, in this instance a particular ram’s horn. A ram’s horn was often used to call together troops for combat and also to disperse troops at the end of a battle (as in verse 22; see 2.28).
We have no portion in David: the word for portion here is not the same as “shares” in 19.44, but it may be intended to contrast with the expression used there. The word rendered portion comes from a root meaning “to divide” and may be translated “a share” (New Revised Standard Version and New Jerusalem Bible). The word translated inheritance refers to that property and goods which a person or family inherits when the owner dies. The point of the statement was to deny any relationship between David and the people of Israel. The expression that follows, we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse, constitutes a parallel statement that is really saying the same thing. No portion and no inheritance have the same essential meaning, and David and the son of Jesse refer to the same person. Translators should ensure that readers do not think that two different things are being referred to by these two expressions. If necessary they may be translated as a single unit, using something like “We have nothing to do with David, the son of Jesse. We won’t join with him.”
Every man to his tents: by using these words, Sheba is encouraging those who would follow him to abandon David and go back home. A literal rendering of this expression is likely to be misunderstood in a number of languages. It may be better translated simply “Go back home!” This appeal recalls the similar expressions in 19.8 and 1 Sam 13.2, which are descriptions in the past tense.
O Israel: in most languages this vocative form, if used at all, will probably come at the beginning of the sentence rather than at the end. Others will be more likely to use a form of address such as “People of Israel…,” but this also is more likely to come at the beginning of the appeal rather than at the end. Since Israel here clearly refers to the northern tribes and does not include the Israelites from the southern tribe of Judah, it may be helpful to make this explicit: “People from northern Israel….”
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 .