So they sent: The connector So indicates that as a result of their fear they send out a warning. They refers to “the people of Israel” from verse 1. For many languages an object is required for the verb sent. Good News Translation has “sent a warning” (similarly Contemporary English Version), and New Revised Standard Version has “sent word.” In some languages it will be necessary to indicate that the “warning” goes out to the “people” of the various areas mentioned, so Contemporary English Version has “the Israelites warned the people living in the territory of Samaria….”

Every district of Samaria …: The reference to Samaria is a problem because after the exile, the Samaritans and Judeans were hostile. But in this story, all Israel is still essentially one. Note that the region of Samaria is specifically mentioned; it is not just the city of that name. Of the cities named here, only Beth-horon (a few miles northwest of Jerusalem; Josh 21.22; 1 Macc 3.16-24) and Jericho are recognizable, but they are not in the vicinity of Samaria. Belmain is possibly the site referred to as “Balbaim” in 7.3 and “Balamon” in 8.3. The valley of Salem is unknown; it is not to be identified with the Salem of Gen 14.18. Once again, it is probably best not to take the confusing geography in realistic detail. The foe stands at the north, the traditional source of an external threat (Isa 14.31; Jer 1.14). But unlike the reaction of the Gentiles, the Judeans plan to offer resistance.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Judith. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.