Again: the use of this word seems to connect this verse with the battles described in the previous chapter (verses 17-25) and may make readers think that a third battle is about to be described. But what follows is rather a peaceful mission to move the ark of the Covenant to the new capital in Jerusalem. Contemporary English Version leaves this word out completely, as does Anchor Bible, which justifies the decision on the basis of a minor modification of the Hebrew text. Some may prefer to translate “On another occasion,” “At another time,” or simply “One day.”

The chosen men of Israel: in 1 Sam 26.2 there were said to be “three thousand” of these men. But the situation had apparently changed by this time so that there were ten times as many chosen men.

Good News Translation modifies the structure here by continuing this sentence in the following verse.

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 .