David, because he was merciful: Although there are texts that speak of David showing mercy to Saul (1~Sam 24.4-15; 26.5-12) and Shimei (2~Sam 19.23; 1~Kgs 2.8), Good News Bible is probably right in translating merciful as “steadfast loyalty to God” (similarly New English Bible “a man of loyalty”). The Greek word used here for merciful is regularly used in the Greek Old Testament to translate the Hebrew word hesed, the primary meaning of which is “loyalty.”

Inherited the throne of the kingdom for ever: Good News Bible is not quite right in saying “David was made king and was given….” At the time of God’s promise to David (2~Sam 7.12-16), David was already king.

Alternative models for this verse are:

• [King] David was steadfastly loyal, and received a promise that his descendants would always be kings.

• King David was steadfastly loyal to the One in Heaven and that One promised him that his descendants would always be kings.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.