5
When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatlyashamed : and the kingsaid , Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown , and then return .
6
And when the children of Ammonsaw that they stank before David, the children of Ammonsent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba,twentythousandfootmen, and of kingMaacah a thousandmen, and of Ishtobtwelve*thousandmen.
7
And when Davidheard of it, he sentJoab, and all the host of the mighty men.
8
And the children of Ammon came out , and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
9
When Joabsaw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in arrayagainst the Syrians:
10
And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in arrayagainst the children of Ammon.
11
And he said , If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12
Be of good courage , and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORDdo that which seemeth him good.
13
And Joab drew nigh , and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fledbefore him.
14
And when the children of Ammonsaw that the Syrians were fled , then fled they also beforeAbishai, and entered into the city. So Joabreturned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
15
And when the Syrianssaw that they were smittenbeforeIsrael, they gathered themselves together.