Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: Since the name of David is used in the middle of the previous verse, it may be unnecessary in some languages to repeat it at the beginning of this verse even though it is present in the Hebrew. The pronoun “he” has been used here by Good News Translation, New International Version, and New Living Translation in place of the name David. The word garrisons is not in the Masoretic Text. Revised Standard Version adds it on the basis of the Septuagint, the Vulgate, and the parallel text in 2 Sam 8.6. Since this noun is present in verse 13 of the Masoretic Text, it was probably accidentally omitted here in verse 6. The English term garrisons is a rather technical one for fairly large groups of soldiers more or less permanently established in a particular location to maintain control over conquered territory. Good News Translation says “military camps,” and New Century Version speaks of “groups of soldiers.” The Hebrew term for garrisons could also be used to refer to “prefects” (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible) or “governors” (New Jerusalem Bible, Bible en français courant). Here it refers to a formal presence for Israel in Damascus that would probably have included a sizeable number of subordinate military personnel.

And the Syrians became servants to David: Servants should not be understood in the sense of domestic servants, but rather followers or subjects in submission to David’s rule (see verse 2). In some languages the words became servants may be better translated by a verb or verbal expression indicating submission to a superior authority. For this whole clause Parole de Vie says “The Syrians were under the power of David.”

And brought tribute: See the comments on 1 Chr 18.2.

And the LORD gave victory to David: Yahweh enabled David to conquer other armies and subdue other peoples. This clause may be rendered “The LORD caused David to win battles” or “… made David master.”

Wherever he went is a general expression in Hebrew. But since it is used here in the context of military battles, it may be translated “in all his military campaigns” (Bible en français courant) or “wherever he campaigned” ( NET Bible).

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 .