Now therefore: literally “And now.” But the context may require a more logical connection as in Revised Standard Version.

Hearken to your handmaid: that is, “listen to me” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “please heed what I say.” The Hebrew contains the particle of entreaty that is often translated “please” or is left untranslated. The woman again uses the indirect reference to herself to show her politeness. She is also using the same vocabulary as in the previous verse and arguing in effect that Saul should listen to her just as she had listened to him.

Let me set a morsel of bread before you: the woman is offering to prepare something for Saul to eat. This may be worded in various ways depending on receptor language usage. Some possible models are “let me set something before you to eat” (New American Bible) and “I would like to bring you a little food” (Bible en français courant).

When you go on your way: that is, “for your journey” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible), assuming that Saul would soon leave Endor and return to his army.

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 .