The question how shall I make expiation…? is parallel to What shall I do for you? although the second question is more detailed than the first. Translators should therefore be careful not to give the impression that these are totally separate questions. Instead of the conjunction and, it will be better in many languages to use a different kind of connecting word indicating that the second question is an amplification of the first. Or in some languages the conjunction may be omitted altogether.

Make expiation: the verb used here is sometimes rendered “cover” or “make atonement” (New American Bible). Atonement or expiation is usually made in the Old Testament by the shedding of blood in the context of animal sacrifice. But as the next verse shows, the Gibeonites will be content only with the taking of human life in revenge for Saul’s actions. In some languages this verb may be translated in such a way as to give the idea of “removing sin” or “making up for wrongdoing.” The question will then say something like “What can I do to take away Israel’s sin” (New Century Version) or “How can I make amends” (New Jerusalem Bible).

That you may bless …: the purpose of David’s action is to make the Gibeonites once again favorably disposed toward the Israelites.

The heritage of the LORD: one’s heritage is that which belongs to the person as a birthright or by inheritance. Here the people of Israel are called God’s heritage, as they are also in Deut 9.26, 29; 32.9. The same Hebrew word rendered heritage occurs in 1 Sam 10.1, where the people themselves are the heritage, and in 1 Sam 26.19, where the heritage is the land of Israel. Here it refers to the Israelites, or the people of God. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh translates “the LORD’s own people,” while Knox has “the LORD’s chosen people.”

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 .