One of the young men: this person would presumably be included among the “servants” in verses 15 and 17. Contemporary English Version, however, calls him an “official.” It is difficult to decide in this context which meaning is intended.
Behold: see the comments on verse 15.
Jesse the Bethlehemite: see verse 1.
David was skilful in playing the lyre, although the lyre is not specifically mentioned in this verse. New American Bible says “[he is] a skillful harpist.” See the comments at verse 16.
A man of valor: literally “a hero [or, warrior] of power [or, bravery].” See the comments on 10.26 regarding the word rendered valor and on “valiant man” in 14.52. Here New Jerusalem Bible says “a stalwart fellow.”
A man of war: see the same expression in 17.33 and 2 Sam 17.8. Revised English Bible renders this expression “a good fighter,” and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, “a warrior.” Revised Standard Version translates this same expression in 2 Sam 17.8 “expert in war.”
Prudent in speech: the word prudent translates a verb form meaning “to be perceptive.” Revised English Bible expresses the sense clearly, “wise in speech.” See also New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, “sensible in speech.” The translation “an able speaker” (Good News Translation and New American Bible) seems to suggest that David was a good public speaker, but that may not be quite the sense of the Hebrew.
A man of good presence: literally “a man of form [or dignity, or fine appearance].” This Hebrew noun is rendered “handsome” in Good News Translation and Revised English Bible and “good-looking” in New Jerusalem Bible. A modern English idiom with the same meaning is “he presents himself well.”
That the LORD is with him indicates that God protects David and assures that he will be victorious (see also the similar expressions in 18.12, 14, 28; 20.13).
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 .