Thus Absalom did: the verb “do” may be so general as to be meaningless in some languages. Translators may consider the following models: “Absalom behaved in this way…” (New International Version) or “This is the manner in which Absalom acted….”

To all of Israel: the meaning of this expression as well as the men of Israel at the end of the verse is directly related to the question of whether Absalom was appealing only to the northern tribes or to the whole of Israel and Judah. The expressions here seem to be all-inclusive and should be so translated. In most cases it will be better to say “people of Israel” instead of men of Israel.

Stole the hearts: this English idiom has its basis in the Hebrew original. The affection that people had had for King David was taken from him and given to Absalom. This points out the success of Absalom’s intrigue. There may be a wide variety of ways in which this idea may be expressed in other languages. As in Contemporary English Version it may be possible to say “Soon everyone in Israel liked Absalom better than they liked David.” Moffatt uses the verb “beguiled.” In other languages the following models may be considered: “convinced [the people of Israel] to believe in him,” “seduced … into following him,” or “persuaded … to give their allegiance to him.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .