⁹ So the children of Ammon came out and put their forces in position on the way into the town; and the kings who had come were stationed by themselves in the field.

¹⁰ Now when Joab saw that their forces were in position against him in front and at his back, he took all the best men of Israel, and put them in line against the Aramaeans;

¹¹ And the rest of the people he put in position against the children of Ammon with Abishai, his brother, at their head.

¹² And he said, If the Aramaeans are stronger and get the better of me, then come to my help; and if the children of Ammon get the better of you, I will come to your help.