Since the Philistines call for Jonathan and his armorbearer to go up to them, Jonathan knows that God will cause him to be victorious.

Garrison: the Hebrew noun here is different from the Hebrew noun rendered garrison in verses 1, 4, 6, 11, and 15; but both words are based on the same root. This noun may also be rendered “outpost” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

The verb translated hailed is literally “answered,” but the context requires something like “shouted to” (New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “called across to” (Revised English Bible).

The words of the Philistines we will show you a thing may be understood as a mere statement. Compare New Revised Standard Version and Revised English Bible, which say “we will show you something.” More likely, however, these words should be understood as a defiant challenge to Jonathan and his armorbearer. Compare “We’ll teach you a lesson!” (New Century Version, New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, and similarly New American Bible).

The LORD has given …: see the comments on this clause in verse 10.

Regarding the expression into the hand of, meaning “into the power of,” see the comments on 4.8. Good News Translation correctly expresses the meaning as “victory over them.”

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 .