So: This transition word renders the common Hebrew conjunction. Revised Standard Version correctly shows the logical connection between the attack by Rezin and Pekah (verse 5) and the action of Ahaz in sending for help from the king of Assyria. It is certainly legitimate to leave the word untranslated as in Good News Translation or to make it a temporal connection (“then”) as in New Jerusalem Bible. New American Bible has “Meanwhile.” Naturalness in the receptor language should be the determining factor in deciding how it is to be rendered.

Tiglath-pileser: See the comments at 2 Kgs 15.19 and 29.

I am your servant and your son: While neither of these statements is to be taken as literally true, the combination is a strong statement of submission and acceptance of authority. Such terminology was common diplomatic language in the ancient Near East. Ahaz states his willingness to become a vassal to the more powerful king of Assyria. Your son has been translated “your vassal” (New Living Translation, New International Version) and “your friend” (New Century Version). The latter translation seems to be an especially weak rendering in this context and should probably be avoided. It is conceivable that the least problematic translation in some languages might be something like “I am completely committed to obey you” or “I promise to submit absolutely to you.” But in other languages a more literal rendering will perhaps communicate the meaning quite naturally.

Come up: It is not necessary to reflect the idea of upward movement in translation. The verb is adequately translated “Come” (Good News Translation, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Century Version).

The hand of the king, which is found twice in this verse, refers to the power of the kings that opposed Ahaz and who were at war with him.

The direct quotation in this verse may be rendered more naturally as indirect speech in some languages. Here is a possible model for the whole verse:

• Ahaz sent a message telling Tiglath Pileser that he was absolutely committed to serving him. He asked that the Assyrian king come and save him from the [armies of the] kings of Syria and Israel who were attacking him.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .