When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear: There was an attempt by the enemy troops to perform the classic military maneuver referred to as “outflanking” their opponents. As in 1 Chr 19.6, the verb saw may be translated “realized,” “became aware,” or “noticed” (Bible en français courant) since it does not refer so much to literal sight as to a realization that the battle was not going well for Joab and his troops. The battle is literally “the face of the battle.” A better translation is “a/the battle line” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Knoppers) or “battle lines” (New International Version). That the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear may be rendered “that he had to do battle in the front and behind at the same time,” “that he would have to fight on two fronts” (similarly Bible en français courant), or “that the enemy was behind his troops as well as in front of them.”

He chose some of the picked men of Israel: The expression picked men is also found in Jdg 20.15, 16, 34; 2 Sam 10.9; 2 Chr 13.3, 17; 25.5. It also occurs in Psa 78.31, where it is in parallel with “the strongest.” It refers to the very best of the fighting force of the people of Israel and would be the equivalent of “special forces” in certain modern armies. Translators may wish to say “especially chosen fighters” or “the best warriors.” For the picked men of Israel, Contemporary English Version says “the best Israelite soldiers,” and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible speaks of “the elite of Israel.” Good News Translation and Bible en français courant have “the best of Israel’s soldiers.”

And arrayed them against the Syrians: As commander of the Israelite military force, Joab organized his men in such a way as to enable them to defeat their enemy. Arrayed them may be rendered “arranged them,” “deployed them” (New International Version), or “drew them up in battle formation.” The Hebrew verb used here is the same as the one describing the Ammonites in the previous verse. Syrians is literally “Aram” here and throughout the rest of this chapter. New Revised Standard Version and New International Version say “Arameans.” See the comments on Syrians at 1 Chr 18.5.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .