Verses 19-21 are parenthetical, explaining why the Israelite soldiers did not have spears and swords. In order to mark the parenthetical nature of the words that follow, some languages may wish to begin this verse with something like “In those days” or “At this time” (Knox). The use of parentheses may be advisable in those translations where such punctuation devices are used.

Smith: the Hebrew term so translated may refer to various kinds of craftsmen. It is translated in its most general sense as “craftsmen” in Exo 35.35 and 38.23 as well as Deut 27.15. But in the present context there can be no doubt that the writer is thinking of a craftsman who works with iron or other metals. So the meaning “blacksmith” is justified. In some languages it will have to be translated “a person who works with metal” or something similar.

Revised Standard Version preserves the words of the Philistines in direct quotation as in the Hebrew text. The form of the quotation is elliptical in Hebrew, since it depends upon the first part of the verse to supply the rest of what the Philistines were thinking or saying. If translators follow the form of the Hebrew, they may need to say something like “We must not allow any Hebrews to become blacksmiths, or else they may use their skill for making themselves swords or spears.” Compare also New Jerusalem Bible, “There was not a single blacksmith throughout the territory of Israel, the Philistines’ reasoning being, ‘We do not want the Hebrews making swords or spears.’ ”

Some common language translations such as Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, and Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente restructure this part of the verse, avoiding either a direct or indirect quotation: “for the Philistines were determined to prevent the Hebrews from making swords and spears” (Revised English Bible).

Regarding the term the Hebrews, see the comments on verse 3.

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 .