[9] And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field. [10] Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. [11] And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon. [12] And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.