Took: this is a very general term in Hebrew, but in the context of war a verb like “seize” or “capture” will be more natural in certain languages.

Shields of gold: the exact meaning of the Hebrew word translated shields in Revised Standard Version is uncertain. Several versions take the word translated shields as meaning “quivers” (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible; Revised English Bible margin) or “bow cases” (Anchor Bible), but the majority of English versions consulted retain the idea of small, circular shields.

The passive construction were carried by the servants of Hadadezer may be easily transformed into an active expression by saying something like “the servants of Hadadezer had carried….” But the word translated servants once again refers to people who were more than menial domestic workers. For this reason New International Version has “officers,” and Good News Translation “officials.” New Jerusalem Bible speaks of “guards,” and Revised English Bible “attendants.”

Brought: the use of this verb seems to imply that the writer is in Jerusalem. But in some languages the perspective of the reader is more important. In such cases a verb like “transported,” “transferred,” or “took” (Good News Translation) may be more appropriate. In all probability David himself did not perform the actions described by the verbs in this verse. He almost certainly had his soldiers do the work. In some languages this may affect the verb forms used. Here some may say “he had them brought to Jerusalem” or “he caused them to be brought….”

At the end of this verse, New American Bible has the following addition based on the Septuagint, the Old Latin, and a manuscript from Qumran: “[These Shishak, king of Egypt, took away when he came to Jerusalem in the days of Rehoboam, son of Solomon.]” Most textual specialists consider this sentence to be a later addition to the text, and the shorter reading found in Revised Standard Version is preferred by the vast majority of modern versions. It is recommended by Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, which gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text.

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 .