Now: this actually translates a common Hebrew transitional verb form that is often rendered “And it came to pass” (King James Version). Here it introduces a new part of the story beginning after David had taken up residence in his new palace. It seems to imply the passage of a certain amount of time between the events related in chapter 6 and the story that follows. The word when may also be translated “after,” and in this context such a rendering seems better. Several versions begin this verse “After the king had settled in his palace….” Note that Good News Translation makes this verse an independent sentence and has no transition word at all in the beginning. However, if a separate sentence is used, it will probably be a good idea in many languages to begin with something like “Later….” It may be helpful also to state the name of the king, David, which is left implicit in Hebrew and consequently in Revised Standard Version.

Dwelt in his house: the idea contained in the verb is that of permanent residence rather than merely spending the night. Moffatt reads “After the king had taken up residence in his palace.” Or translators may prefer to say “settled in his palace” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh as well as Good News Translation).

Given him rest: the expression used here is found frequently in Joshua (1.15; 21.44; and 23.1, for example). It contains the notion of calm and serenity allowing for relaxation. The same term is used of the rest following creation in Exo 20.11, and of the Sabbath rest required of the people of Israel (Exo 23.12; Deut 5.14). One way of translating the expression in this context is “let his kingdom be at peace” (Contemporary English Version) or “granted him safety” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Other languages may use a form like “caused him to have peace.”

Round about: this is left out of Good News Translation, but the idea is that David had enemies “around him” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New International Version). These more than likely were nations opposed to the nation of Israel, rather than being individual enemies of David within his own group. Some other models are “on every side” (An American Translation, New American Bible), “on all sides” (Revised English Bible), and “surrounding him” (New Jerusalem Bible).

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 .