And translates the Hebrew verbal transition marker that is sometimes rendered “And it happened.” Here it makes a break in the timeline of the story and helps to move the story forward. See the discussion on this discourse marker in “Translating 1–2 Kings,” pages 14-15.

At the end of the seven years may be rendered “at the end of this time.”

She went forth to appeal to the king for her house and her land: The text makes no clear statement about the loss of the woman’s property, but certainly implies that for some reason it was not considered her own when she returned to Israel. Some writers suggest that her home and her fields had been taken over by the king in her absence. But it is possible that her possessions might have been seized by others. In any case, the ultimate appeal in such a case would be made to the king as judge of all the people (compare 2 Kgs 6.26). So it is logical that the woman went to the king for help. The Hebrew verb rendered appeal suggests “crying out” or “making a plea.” Others have translated “beg for” (New International Version, Revised English Bible), “claim” (New American Bible), or “lodge a claim” (New Jerusalem Bible). The king is not named, and since the historical setting is uncertain, translators should not insert a name here.

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 .