When David heard of it is literally “And David heard.” But most languages will require an object for the verb “to hear.” Some may prefer to say “When David heard the news” ( NET Bible) or “On hearing this, David” (New International Version). Revised English Bible provides another possible model, using the passive form: “When this was reported to David.”

He sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men: The verb sent clearly implies that Joab and the Israelite army were sent to fight the Ammonites. All the army of the mighty men is literally “every army, the mighty men.” Usually the expression the mighty men suggests a special group of well-trained men or professional soldiers, while all the army refers to the entire fighting force of Israel. But here the two appear to be in apposition. Perhaps the two expressions are best understood by New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, which says “the whole army, [including] the professional fighters.” But the square brackets are not recommended. New Revised Standard Version has the same essential meaning, saying “all the army of the warriors.” However, when one says “the entire army,” the special forces would be included. For this whole clause Bible en français courant has “he despatched General Joab with all the regular army to the place.” Other possible models are “he ordered Joab and the entire army to march” and “he sent Joab and the entire army to meet them” ( NET Bible).

Some translators may wish to restructure this brief verse to say “When David heard what the Ammonites were doing, he sent the whole army of Israel with Joab at its head to fight them” or “… despatched all the Israelite soldiers and their commander, Joab.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .