10 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians.
8
When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men.
9
And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.
10
When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians.
11
The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites.
12
And he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.