7. David heard about this, so he sent Joab and the whole army of powerful men.
8. The Ammonites came out and got ready for the battle. They stood at the city gate. The Arameans from Zobah and Rehob and the men from Tob and Maacah did not stand together with the Ammonites in the field.
9. Joab saw that there were enemies in front of him and behind him. So he chose some of the best Israelite soldiers and lined them up for battle against the Arameans.
10. Then Joab gave the other men to his brother Abishai to lead against the Ammonites.