Regarding Nahash the king of the Ammonites, see 11.1.

The common Hebrew conjunction which is rendered And by Revised Standard Version is translated “but” to show contrast in Good News Translation, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version and New Jerusalem Bible. New American Bible has “yet.” The context clearly indicates that there is a contrast between the previous condition of living without fear and the new situation involving King Nahash and his planned attack.

Came against is a literal translation. A more specific verb such as “was about to attack” (Good News Translation) or “marching on you” (New Jerusalem Bible) may be used.

You said to me, ‘No … over us’: this is a reference to the people’s words in 8.19 and 10.19. The direct quotation may be made indirect here by saying “you refused to have Yahweh as your ruler and insisted on having a [human] king to lead you.”

When the LORD your God was your king: an echo of 8.7.

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 .