2 Samuel 17:24 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

David came to Mahanaim A place in the country of Gilead, bordering upon the land of the Ammonites, lately the residence of Ish- bosheth, and anciently the resting-place of Jacob; where God had placed him under the protection of two hosts of angels. The king's distress here, at this time, would naturally lead him to reflect on the distress of his great ancestor in the same place; when, being encompassed with a weak and helpless family of wives and children, as David now was, he received information that Esau was coming against him with a strong band of men. And Absalom passed over Jordan Not immediately, but as soon as all the men of Israel, who are here said to be with him, were gathered together to him, according to Hushai's counsel, which required some time, during which David had an opportunity to strengthen himself, by gathering an army also.