Now renders the common Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of this verse. In this case it serves as a kind of transition marker moving the story on to the next episode, but in some languages it may be omitted altogether.
The watchman was standing on the tower: The watchman does not refer to any particular individual, so it may be rendered “a watchman” or “A guard” (Good News Translation). Several translations use a technical term for watchman, such as “sentinel” (New Revised Standard Version) or “lookout” (New Jerusalem Bible). Archaeological evidence indicates that a tower was made of stones or bricks and could be square or round. Towers were built into the wall of a city around 30 meters (100 feet) apart. From the towers guards could watch the countryside around the city and also be protected. While the Hebrew preposition rendered on usually means “above” or “on top of,” it sounds odd in English to say on the tower. Archaeological evidence does indicate that some towers had domed roofs, so the guard may indeed have been on the tower.
He spied: There is no particular reason to use the verb “spy” since the Hebrew term rendered spied is the ordinary word for “see” and the watchman was certainly not involved in any secret activity. However, some languages may require a verb that means “to see in the distance.”
The company of Jehu may be translated “Jehu’s troops” (Revised English Bible) or better “Jehu and his soldiers.” The Hebrew word for company actually means “abundance” or “multitude.” So the watchman’s message, I see a company, could be rendered “I see a lot of men coming” or “I see many soldiers approaching.”
Take a horseman: Most translations agree with Revised Standard Version in saying a horseman. But New American Bible says “a driver” here and in verse 18 since the Hebrew word rendered horseman often refers to a chariot driver.
And let him say, ‘Is it peace?’: This direct quotation within another quotation may be more naturally translated indirectly in some languages. In addition to the model provided by Good News Translation, some other possibilities are “and ask whether they are coming in peace” or “and find out if everything is all right.” The question Is it peace? renders the same Hebrew word translated “Is all well?” in verse 11. It may have a deeper meaning here also. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, for example, says “he should ask whether it goes well in the battle [with Syria]” (similarly in verses 18 and 19). NET Bible similarly says “and have him ask, ‘Is everything okay?’ ” Either interpretation is possible and makes sense in the context.
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 .