9
The Ammonites marched out and lined up in battle formation at the entrance of the city while the kings who had come were in the field by themselves.
10
When Joab saw that there was a battle line in front of him and another behind him, he chose some men out of all the elite troops of Israel and lined up in battle formation to engage the Arameans.
11
He placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, and they lined up in battle formation to engage the Ammonites.
12
"If the Arameans are too strong for me," Joab said, "then you'll be my help. However, if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I'll help you.
13
Be strong! We must prove ourselves strong for our people and for the cities of our God. May the Lord's will be done."