Worthless fellows: literally “sons of Belial.” See the comments on 1.16 and on 2.12. In the context of 1 Samuel, the question that these men ask may be translated “How can this man save us from our enemies?” or “How can this man save us from other nations?” The answer comes in chapter 11 in Saul’s defeat of the Ammonites. See also 11.12.

In those languages where an indirect quotation is preferred over the direct quotation of the text, Knox provides an interesting model for the first part of this verse: “there were others, graceless folks, who asked contemptuously whether such a man as this could bring them victory.”

Brought him no present: presents were given to express reverence or respect. Compare 2 Kgs 8.8. In some contexts the Hebrew noun means “tribute” brought to a king by those people who are under the king’s rule (see 2 Sam 8.2, 6).

But he held his peace: that is, “But Saul kept silent.” In place of these words the Septuagint reads “and it came to pass about a month later.” Some interpreters have suggested that the Septuagint reading can be explained by making a slight change in the Masoretic Text. The Septuagint is the basis for the translations found in New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and Good News Translation (all at the beginning of chapter 11). Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament, however, gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text and recommends that translators follow it (so Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, and New International Version).

At the end of this verse, an additional textual problem is encountered. A manuscript from Qumran contains a paragraph that provides background information on the reason for Nahash’s cruel requirement in 11.1-2. The first-century A.D. Jewish historian Josephus knew this account, but until the discovery of the manuscript at Qumran, it was not known that this story had ever been part of the biblical text.

New Revised Standard Version follows this text from Qumran and adds the following paragraph:
Now Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had been grievously oppressing the Gadites and the Reubenites. He would gouge out the right eye of each of them and would not grant Israel a deliverer. No one was left of the Israelites across the Jordan whose right eye Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had not gouged out. But there were seven thousand men who had escaped from the Ammonites and had entered Jabesh-gilead.

After nearly four pages of discussion, Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament recommends that translators follow the Masoretic Text and not include this longer addition. But in those translations where footnotes are used, readers may find it very helpful if this information is included at the bottom of the page, as Contemporary English Version has done.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .