That: Revised Standard Version rightly shows that this verse reveals the purpose that the Israelites had in mind in asking for a king. In certain languages it may be better to make a separate sentence, beginning with the idea “We want….”

We also: the expression is emphatic, but the emphasis seems to be lost in Good News Translation. In those languages that have emphatic pronouns, it will be appropriate to use one here.

All the nations: see the comments on verse 5.

Govern: see the comments on verse 5.

Go out before us: in the context these words must be connected to the following verb fight. A word appropriate for warfare may be used such as “march out before us” (Anchor Bible) or “lead us out to war” (Good News Translation). A literal translation of the last words of this verse may incorrectly suggest that the king would fight but the people would not. Contemporary English Version rewords and avoids this possible misunderstanding: “We want to be like other nations. We want a king to rule us and lead us in battle.”

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 .