Greatly distressed: see the similar expression in 28.15. Translators may see a slight difference in meaning between Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, since the Hebrew verb may vary in meaning depending on the context. Revised Standard Version focuses more on David’s personal reaction to the crisis, while Good News Translation seems to focus on the reaction of the troops as the source of the “trouble.” The Hebrew text may be understood in either way, so translators must choose between the two. New Revised Standard Version and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, translating in a way similar to Good News Translation, say that “David was in great danger.”

The people: that is, “the troops” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). See the comments on verse 4.

Stoning was commanded by the law in some cases in order to kill a person who had violated certain laws. Sometimes stoning was the method an angry mob used in order to kill someone (see 1 Kgs 12.18). The people are not wanting simply to harm or injure David by casting stones at him. Compare New Century Version, “The men in the army were threatening to kill David with stones.”

Were bitter in soul: the idea here seems to be “were profoundly bitter” or “felt very angry.”

For his sons and daughters: that is, “because his sons and daughters had been taken as prisoners” (New Century Version). The text seems to stress the individuality of these men who were grieving. Each one of the soldiers who had been with David was upset because of the loss of his children. The Hebrew literally says “a man for his sons and daughters.”

David strengthened himself in the LORD his God: the Hebrew form of the verb may mean either that David strengthened himself or that he was strengthened by someone else. Either is possible and the various translations reflect this ambiguity. If the second interpretation is followed, it may be more natural in certain languages to restructure this sentence to make God the subject rather than David (as Good News Translation has done). Others, however, may say something like “David found strength in the LORD his God” (New Century Version) or “he felt the LORD God giving him strength” (Contemporary English Version). New American Bible takes this as a subordinate clause, beginning a sentence that is completed in the following verse: “But with renewed trust in the LORD his God, David….”

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 .