Some languages may require some sort of transition word at the beginning of this new episode in the story of David and Saul. But in many cases the presence of a section heading will be sufficient.

Departed from there, that is, from the Philistine city of Gath, because he was afraid of the king of Gath (see 21.10-12). The verb departed translates a Hebrew verb meaning “to walk” or “to go away.” In this context, however, it is appropriate to translate the Hebrew with a verb such as “fled” (Good News Translation).

Escaped: see the comments on 19.10. In this context the verb has been rendered “took refuge” (La Bible du Semeur).

The cave of Adullam was located about twenty kilometers (or twelve and one-half miles) southwest of Bethlehem, David’s birthplace, and about sixteen kilometers (or ten miles) southeast of Gath. As indicated in the Good News Translation translation, this was a “cave near the town of Adullam” and not a cave belonging to a person called Adullam. The titles of Psa 57 and 142 link those psalms with this time at Adullam.

The Hebrew text has the word cave, but since verse 4 refers to a “stronghold,” some interpreters make a slight change in the Hebrew word cave to read “stronghold” in this verse also. Translations based on this suggested correction of the Hebrew include Anchor Bible. See also the comments on verses 4 and 5.

His brothers and all his father’s house: David had seven brothers (see 17.12). His father’s house definitely includes his father and mother (see verse 3), and probably also other members of the extended family. New Century Version attempts to communicate this broader meaning by translating “and other relatives.” Contemporary English Version‘s “the rest of his family” is another possible model.

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 .