7. When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men.
8. And the Ammonites came out and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate, but the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were stationed by themselves in the open country.
9. When Joab saw that the battlefront was against him before and behind, he picked some of all the choice men of Israel and put them in array against the Syrians.
10. The rest of the men Joab gave over to Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the Ammonites.
11. Joab said, If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you.
12. Be of good courage; let us play the man for our people and the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what seems good to Him.