Samuel’s words to Saul are in the form of a direct quotation and continue to the end of verse 8. Within this direct quotation are several layers of embedded quotations. It will be desirable in most languages to transform some of these direct quotations into indirect ones. See especially verse 2.
A vial of oil: this small container was probably made of ceramic and contained olive oil and a mixture of spices, as in Exo 30.22-26. That the oil was “olive oil” may be made explicit, as Good News Translation has done. And in some languages the word translated vial may have to be rendered by a more general word like “container” or “receptacle.” But of course, if there is a word for a ceramic container, that word should be used. The only other occurrence of this word is in 1 Kgs 9.1, 3, where Revised Standard Version translates “flask.” The English word “flask” is also used in this context by several versions (New International Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible).
Poured it on his head: if there is any danger that readers or hearers may think that Samuel poured the oil on his own head, it will be essential to follow the model of Good News Translation in saying “on Saul’s head.”
It is not clear whether Samuel kissed Saul out of affection or as a sign of honor. In either case, certain languages have a very difficult time with the idea of one grown man kissing another. This is especially the case where the verb “kiss” is normally rendered “suck lips” or something similar. The idea here is rather one of an affectionate embrace. In some languages one will have to translate “placed his arms around him” or “hugged him.” (This is discussed in Ellington, 1990).
Samuel’s question in this verse is a rhetorical one, which Good News Translation has turned into a statement (also New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, and New American Bible). It is in effect a strong affirmation of the fact that “the LORD has appointed you to lead his people” (New Century Version).
Anointed: see the comments on 2.10.
As the footnotes in both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation indicate, the Hebrew text is considerably shorter than the Septuagint in this verse. Many translators think that part of the verse was accidentally omitted in the Hebrew text, and they follow the Septuagint in translation (so Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible). Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, however, considers the Septuagint to be an expansion of the Hebrew and therefore gives a {C} rating to the Masoretic Text. Translations based on the Masoretic Text include New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Fox, and Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente.
The hand of their enemies: or better, “the power of their enemies.” On the metaphorical use of hand, see 4.8.
Enemies round about refers to neighboring non-Israelite tribes. This expression is fairly common in Old Testament writings (Deut 12.10; 25.19; Josh 23.1; Judges 2.14; Psa 27.6), although it is not a part of the Masoretic Text here.
Prince: see the comments on 9.16.
The sign is not the anointing but rather the events that follow in verses 2-6. By placing colons at the end of verse 1, some translations show that what follows are the signs (so Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible). But if this can be done without resorting to punctuation alone, this is preferable. Some languages will say “Here are the things that will show that the LORD has chosen you to be the ruler of his people.”
His heritage: see also 26.19, where the heritage is the land of Israel. One’s heritage is that which belongs to the person as a birthright or by inheritance. Here the people of Israel are called God’s heritage, as they are also in Deut 9.26, 29; 32.9.
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .