Garrisons: the English term used here is a rather technical one for fairly large groups of soldiers more or less permanently established in a particular location (see also 1 Sam 10.5). The term can also be used to refer to “prefects” (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, similarly Anchor Bible) or “governors” (Good News Translation margin, New Jerusalem Bible, and Bible en français courant), but in either case the idea is the setting up of a formal presence for Israel in Damascus and probably included a sizeable number of subordinate military personnel.

In Aram of Damascus: it should be made clear that the words translated “Syrian” or “Syrians” are related to the word Aram here and refer to the same area. Revised Standard Version is not a good model to follow in these matters.

Servants: this should not be understood in the sense of domestic servants, but rather followers or subjects in submission to his rule.

Brought tribute: see the comments on tribute at verse 2.

Gave victory: Yahweh enabled David to conquer other armies and subdue other peoples. In some languages this will be expressed by a causative verb form meaning “caused him to win battles” or “made him master.”

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 .