II Samuel 17:24

The account of the civil war, which terminated with Absalom's defeat and death, is introduced in Sa2 17:24-26 with a description of the relative position of the two hostile parties. David had come to Mahanaim, a city probably a fortified one, on the east of the Jordan, not far from the ford of the Jabbok (see at Sa2 2:8). Absalom had also gone over the Jordan, "he and all the men with him," i.e., all the fighting men that he had gathered together according to Hushai's advice, and encamped in the land of Gilead.

The contest between David and Absalom is now hasting towards a crisis. It must be determined by the sword, and preparation is made accordingly in this chapter. I. Absalom calls a council of war, in which Ahithophel urges despatch (Sa2 17:1-4), but Hushai recommends deliberation (Sa2 17:5-13); and Hushai's counsel is agreed to (Sa2 17:14), for vexation at which Ahithophel hangs himself (Sa2 17:23). II. Secret intelligence is sent to David (but with much difficultly) of their proceedings (Sa2 17:15-21). III. David marches to the other side Jordan (Sa2 17:22-24), and there his camp is victualled by some of his friends in that country (Sa2 17:27-29). IV. Absalom and his forces march after him into the land of Gilead on the other side Jordan (Sa2 17:25, Sa2 17:26). There we shall, in the next chapter, find the cause decided by a battle: hitherto, every thing has looked black upon poor David, but now the day of his deliverance begins to dawn.

17:24 Mahanaim, once the capital city of Ishbosheth and Abner (2:8, 12, 29), became David’s base of operations.