Moreover: the use of this transition word in English may give the impression that the Hebrew has something stronger than the common conjunction, but in reality that is all that is found in the text. The flow of the story, however, may require a transition word or expression showing that the advice quoted in verses 1-3 was something that Ahithophel said to Absalom soon after the events described at the end of chapter 16. But in some languages the absence of any transition marker will serve this purpose, as, for example, in New International Version and New Jerusalem Bible. New American Bible makes the transition by using the verbal expression “went on to say….” Some versions do not even make a paragraph break at this point (Anchor Bible, Anderson). And some (Contemporary English Version) place the new section heading at verse 4 rather than here.

Let me choose …: Ahithophel’s advice here actually includes a particle often used to introduce a petition or plea, but it is left untranslated in many English versions. Some, however, have rendered it “I pray you” (An American Translation), “please” (New American Bible and New American Standard Bible), or “now…” (King James Version and Goldman). New International Version, which is very similar to Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, has “I would choose…” and continues with this kind of verb form throughout the description of the proposed course of action. This sets the stage for the whole recommendation from this point through the end of verse 3. The translations in New International Version and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible imply that Ahithophel is suggesting what Absalom should do. The Hebrew, however, seems to mean that this is what Ahithophel wants to do.

Ahithophel’s plan includes an important element in military strategy, that of swiftness or surprise (tonight). The size of the fighting force proposed (twelve thousand men) is relatively small by comparison with what Hushai later suggests.

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 .