All this assembly sounds much too formal and official to translate an expression meaning “all those who are gathered here” (Revised English Bible), or more simply “Everybody here” (Contemporary English Version).

The LORD saves not with sword and spear: that is, “… with weapons like swords and spears.” In cases where the verb “save” requires an object, Good News Translation provides a good model by adding “his people.” In many languages it may sound more natural to say something like “the LORD does not use weapons like swords and spears to save his people.”

The battle is the LORD’s: to say that the battle belongs to someone means that that person will undoubtedly conquer his enemy, that is, that he will certainly win the battle. Contemporary English Version says “The LORD always wins his battles.”

Give you into our hand: regarding this Hebrew idiom, see the comments on 4.8.

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 .