2 Samuel 10:8-12

10:8 The Ammonites marched out and were deployed for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the men from Aram Zobah, Rehob, Ish-tob, and Maacah were by themselves in the field.

10:9 When Joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts, he chose some of Israel’s best men and deployed them against the Arameans. ¹  10:10 He put his brother Abishai in charge of the rest of the army ²  and they were deployed ³  against the Ammonites. 10:11 Joab ⁴  said, “If the Arameans start to overpower me, ⁵  you come to my rescue. If the Ammonites start to overpower you, ⁶  I will come to your rescue. 10:12 Be strong! Let’s fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our God! The Lord will do what he decides is best!” ⁷ 

¹ tn Heb “and Joab saw that the face of the battle was to him before and behind and he chose from all the best in Israel and arranged to meet Aram.”

¹ tn Heb “people.”

² tn Heb “he arranged.”

¹ tn Heb “he”; the referent (Joab) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

² tn Heb “if Aram is stronger than me.”

³ tn Heb “if the sons of Ammon are stronger than you.”

¹ tn Heb “and the Lord will do what is good in his eyes.”