So: since David’s action came as a result of the instructions of Gad in the previous verse, a transition word like So seems appropriate here. But receptor language considerations will determine whether or not a transition word is required.

On the verb went up see the comments on “go up” in the previous verse.

The translation of this short verse is complicated by the fact that David’s action is said to be in accordance with both Gad’s word and as the LORD commanded. To keep these two elements in proper perspective, it may be good to adopt one of the following models for the verse as a whole: “So David went there in obedience to the command of the LORD that had come to him through the words of Gad” or “David did what Gad told him to do according to the commandment of the LORD.”

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 .