It was told Joab: as in 3.23 and numerous other cases, this passive construction is easily transformed into an active one in languages where the passive presents problems. Translators may say “Someone told Joab” (Contemporary English Version), “people told Joab” (New Century Version), or “Joab learned….” The precise rendering of this phrase may be determined by the way in which the direct quotation that follows is translated. In some languages the quotation may be more naturally rendered indirectly as in New American Bible and Good News Translation.

Behold: the focusing particle here is intended to draw attention to the words that follow. These words are somewhat surprising in view of the fact that Absalom was the leader of the rebellion against David. But David’s response to the death of Absalom was that of a father who had lost his son rather than that of a military leader who had won a war.

Since this is a new section, it may be more natural and helpful to the reader to make it clear that the king being talked about is David and that Absalom is his son. This will be especially important in view of the fact that the previous context deals with a rival to the throne.

If the direct quotation is made indirect, a possible model for the verse as a whole is “Joab learned [or, heard] that King David was crying and grieving for his son Absalom.”

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 .