The horn of oil: see the comments on verse 1.

Anointed: see the comments on 2.10. Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente says “and poured it on David’s head in order to anoint him.”

In the midst of his brothers: that is, “in the presence of his brothers” (New Revised Standard Version) or “while his brothers watched” (Contemporary English Version).

The Spirit of the LORD: New Revised Standard Version says “the spirit of the LORD,” avoiding the use of the capital letter to begin the word “spirit.” This is preferable to Revised Standard Version, New International Version, and Contemporary English Version, which use the capital letter. See the comments on 10.6. In some languages it will not be natural to say that a spirit “comes upon someone” (see the comments on 10.6).

From that day forward: although the spirit of God abandoned Saul (see verse 14), God’s spirit remained with David. Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente says “The spirit of the LORD descended on David, and from that day on, was always with him.”

Rose up, and went: see verse 12.

Ramah was the town where Samuel lived (see 8.4). Since Samuel had gone to Bethlehem from Ramah (see 15.34), it may be more accurate to say that Samuel “returned” (Good News Translation and La Bible du Semeur).

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 .