8When David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
9The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the gate of the city: and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.
10Now 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.
11The rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother; and they put themselves in array against the children of Ammon.
12He 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 help you.
13Be 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.
14So Joab and the people who were with him drew near before the Syrians to the battle; and they fled before him.