7. And when David had heard this, he sent Joab and the entire army of warriors.
8. Then the sons of Ammon went forth, and they positioned their battle line before the very entrance of the gates. But the Syrians of Zobah, and of Rehob, and of Tob, and of Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
9. And so, seeing that the battle had been prepared against him, both facing him and behind, Joab chose some from all of the elect men of Israel, and he set up a battle line opposite the Syrians.
10. But the remaining part of the people he delivered to his brother Abishai, who formed a battle line against the sons of Ammon.
11. And Joab said: "If the Syrians prevail against me, then you shall assist me. But if the sons of Ammon prevail against you, then I will assist you.