Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 10:13

"So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him." — 2 Samuel 10:13 (ASV)

Against the Syrians. —The attack was begun, not against both parts of the foe at once, but Joab threw the weight of his forces against the stronger division of the enemy while Abishai watched and held in check the Ammonites. His tactics were completely successful. The Syrians fled, and the Ammonites, seeing that the whole army of Israel could now be thrown upon them, retired precipitately into the city.