9So the children of Ammon came out and put their forces in position on the way into the town; and the kings who had come were stationed by themselves in the field.
10Now when Joab saw that their forces were in position against him in front and at his back, he took all the best men of Israel, and put them in line against the Aramaeans;
11And the rest of the people he put in position against the children of Ammon with Abishai, his brother, at their head.
12And he said, If the Aramaeans are stronger and get the better of me, then come to my help; and if the children of Ammon get the better of you, I will come to your help.
13Take heart, and let us be strong for our people and for the towns of our God; and may the Lord do what seems good to him.
14So Joab and the people who were with him went forward into the fight against the Aramaeans, and they went in flight before him.
15And when the children of Ammon saw the flight of the Aramaeans, they themselves went in flight from Abishai, his brother, and came into the town. Then Joab came back to Jerusalem.
