They said: As in verse 10, the ordinary verb said may need to be replaced by a more vivid term in this context (Good News Translation “exclaimed”). This was not a casual comment but an exclamation.

The kings have surely fought together: One version of the ancient Greek translation supplies the implied information that there were “three” kings. This clause also implies that the Moabites thought that the armies of the kings had fought and not just the three kings themselves. Parole de Vie, for example, says “The kings and their armies….”

Have surely fought together is literally “to fight they have fought.” This expression uses two forms of the same Hebrew verb to show the (mistaken) certainty of the Moabites. This emphatic form may be translated “must have fought among themselves” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Now then, Moab, to the spoil!: This final statement in the direct quotation of the Moabite soldiers is a kind of mutual encouragement to move into the valley to take the weapons and other belongings of the enemy soldiers whom they mistakenly thought were dead. God’s Word translates “Now, Moabites, let’s take their goods!” But it may be unnatural in some languages for these soldiers to use the term “Moabites,” referring to themselves in a direct quotation.

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 .