6. The Ammonites realized that what they had done had made David very angry with them. So they hired 20,000 Aramean soldiers who were on foot. The soldiers came from Beth Rehob and Zobah. The Ammonites also hired the king of Maacah and 1,000 men. And they hired 12,000 men from Tob.
7. David heard about it. So he sent Joab out with the entire army of Israel's fighting men.
8. The Ammonites marched out. They took up their battle positions at the entrance of their city gate. The Arameans of Zobah and Rehob gathered their troops together in the open country. So did the men of Tob and Maacah.
9. Joab saw that there were lines of soldiers in front of him and behind him. So he chose some of the best troops in Israel. He sent them to march out against the Arameans.
10. He put the rest of the men under the command of his brother Abishai. Joab sent them to march out against the Ammonites.
11. He said, "Suppose the Arameans are too strong for me. Then you must come and help me. But suppose the Ammonites are too strong for you. Then I'll come and help you.
12. "Be strong. Let's be brave as we fight for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what he thinks is best."