So David went up …: So translates the common Hebrew conjunction. Since David’s action came as a result of the instructions of Gad in the previous verse, the connector So is appropriate here. But receptor language considerations will determine whether or not a transition word is required here. For the verb went up, see the comments on “go up” in the previous verse. See also the comments there regarding the parenthetical nature of verses 18 and 19, where it is suggested that went up should be translated “had gone up.”

The translation of this short verse is complicated by the fact that David’s action is said to be in accordance with both Gad’s word and which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. To keep these two elements in proper perspective it may be good to adopt one of the following models for the verse as a whole: “So David went there in obedience to the instructions of the LORD which had come to him through the words of Gad” or “David did what Gad had told him to do according to the instructions of the LORD.” Good News Translation provides another helpful model for restructuring the content of this verse.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .