And Joab saw that the face of the battle from the front was against him before and behind. And he chose from all the chosen in Israel, and set them in order to meet the Syrians.
And the sons of Ammon came out and set in order for battle at the opening of the gate. And the Syrians of Zobah, and Rehob, and the men of Tob, and Maacah were by themselves in the field.
And David sent one third of the people by the hand of Joab, and one third by the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third by Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, Going out I will go with you, I also.