Now when Joabsawthat the battlewas set againsthim in frontand in the rear,he selectedfrom allthe choicemen of Israel,and arrayed[them] againstthe Arameans.
But the remainderof the peoplehe placedin the handof Abishaihis brother,and he arrayed[them] againstthe sonsof Ammon.
The sonsof Ammoncameout and drewup in battlearray at the entranceof the city,while the Arameansof Zobahand of Rehoband the menof Toband Maacah[were] by themselvesin the field.
Davidsentthe peopleout, one thirdunder the commandof Joab,one thirdunder the commandof Abishaithe sonof Zeruiah,Joab'sbrother,and one thirdunder the commandof Ittaithe Gittite.And the kingsaidto the people,"I myselfwill surelygoout with you also."
When Judahturnedaround,behold,they were attackedboth frontand rear;so they criedto the LORD,and the priestsblewthe trumpets.
