8. And the sons of Ammon came out and ordered their troops at the entering in of the gate, and the Syrians of Zoba and of Rehob and Ishtob and Maacah were in order by themselves in the field.
9. When Joab saw that there were troops before and behind him, he chose from among the chosen men of Israel and put them in order against the Syrians.
10. Then he delivered the rest of the people into the hand of Abishai his brother that he might put them in order against the sons of Ammon.
11. And he said, If the Syrians are too strong for me, then thou shalt help me; but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12. Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God; and let the Lord do that which seems good unto him.
13. And Joab drew near and the people that were with him, to do battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him.