The people who were with him: that is, the men who had returned to Ziklag with David (see also verse 6 below). As is often the case, the word people may be translated “troops” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “his army” (New Century Version), or “his men” (New International Version).

Raised their voices and wept: this does not refer to two different actions but rather to a single event that may be rendered “wept aloud” (Revised English Bible) or “cried loudly” (New Century Version).

Until they had no more strength to weep: that is, “until they were too tired to cry any more.”

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 .