Fled: in those languages requiring an object for the verb “flee,” it will be best to talk of fleeing from Joab’s forces (or troops, or soldiers).

Likewise fled … and entered the city: seeing that their allies, the Syrians, were forsaking the battle, the Ammonites also decided to abandon the struggle. So they went back inside the city walls for protection (see verse 8 above). Since Joab did not attempt to take the city, this was the end of the battle. The verb entered really means “reentered” and will be translated “withdrew” or “went back” in many languages.

Came to Jerusalem: since this was certainly not the first time that Joab and his men had come to Jerusalem, it will be more natural to translate “came back” or “returned” in many languages.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .