And translates the Hebrew verb often translated “And it came to pass” (see page 19).

Had success: this renders a participle in Hebrew. In the context of an army going off to do battle, the words had success mean that he and his troops won those battles. Contemporary English Version says “always won their battles.”

Undertakings renders a common Hebrew noun that has a wide range of meanings, including “way,” “path,” “journey,” “business,” “situation” (Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente), and “custom.” In this context the word refers to David’s military expeditions (see the comments on verse 5).

For the LORD was with him: see the comments on 16.18.

If restructuring seems advisable in the receptor language, the following model may be helpful:

• The LORD was with David. Therefore he and his army always won when they had to fight.

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 .