The city of David: this expression is a standard way of referring to a specific area within the city of Jerusalem (see the comments on 5.7). Since the name of David is used elsewhere in the verse, it may be better in some languages to use the better known name here as Good News Translation has done.

Took it aside: that is, he took a detour on his way to Jerusalem and left the Covenant Box at another place so that he would not have to be the caretaker of this important symbol of God’s presence.

Translators should note that the expression used here is the ark of the LORD and not “the ark of God” as earlier in this passage. The expression introduced here is, however, used frequently in the following verses. And both expressions refer to the same object.

The Gittite: as indicated in Good News Translation this term indicates that Obed Edom was “a native of the city of Gath.” But it is important to realize that this man was probably not an Israelite but a Philistine. In view of what had happened, it seems logical that the Israelites were afraid to have the ark left in their homes. Some commentators have speculated that Obed-edom may have been persuaded to join the Israelite cause when David was staying in Gath (1 Sam 27–30; see also 2 Sam 15.18-22; 18.2). Others indicate that he may have been from the Levitical city of Gath-rimmon (mentioned in Josh 19.45; 21.24) or from Gittaim (mentioned in 2 Sam 4.3) and thus not a Philistine. In view of this uncertainty, there should be nothing in the translation about this man’s being a Philistine. This possibility, however, can be mentioned in a footnote.

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 .