Spies: the basic meaning of the verb from which this noun is formed is “to move about on foot.” Others have translated “scouts” (New International Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible) or “men to watch his movements” (Knox). Compare Gen 42.9 and Josh 2.1.

Of a certainty: these words come at the end of the verse in Hebrew, and their meaning is uncertain. This expression consists of a preposition and a verbal form, the root of which means “to stand firm” or “to be stable.” Most understand the force to be that of an adverb expressing certainty, as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation. Revised English Bible, however, reads “found out that Saul had reached such and such a place.” See 23.23, where the same expression occurs.

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 .