^{8 Ref} The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.

^{9 Ref} Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:

¹⁰ The rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother; and he put them in array against the children of Ammon.

^{11 Ref} He said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the children of Ammon be too strong for you, then I will come and help you.

^{12 Ref} Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Yahweh do that which seems him good.

^{13 Ref} So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.

¹⁴ When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, and entered into the city. Then Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.