David temporarily established a new seat of leadership in Mahanaim while Absalom advanced aggressively with Israel’s forces.
David’s movement in 2 Samuel 17:24 occurs at a turbulent point in his monarchy, and the verse weaves together both his survival strategy and his son’s advancing rebellion. In the text, it reads, Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. (v.24) At this time, David (who reigned approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC) had fled Jerusalem to escape a coup led by his son Absalom, seeking safety across the Jordan River. Mahanaim, located in the region of Gilead east of the Jordan, served as a secure site for David to regroup and gather supporters. This area was historically fortified and had once served as a base for King Saul’s forces, making it a strategic place for David’s defense.
In contrast, Absalom pressed forward with his forces. Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. (v.24) His large army demonstrates how thoroughly he had seized the popular support of many Israelites, who rallied to his cause against David. Absalom’s rebellion is referenced in other passages as one of the most distressing times in David’s life, forcing him into flight and threatening his throne. Despite Absalom’s strong initial advantage, David’s faithful allies joined him in Mahanaim, and he would eventually withstand the uprising.
As an ancestor of Jesus, David’s trials and exiles highlight the theme of faithful endurance in Scripture. Although betrayed by his own son, he continued to trust the Lord’s sovereignty. In the broader biblical story, David’s journey reminds believers that God’s redemptive purposes prevail, even through conflicts that appear insurmountable.
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2 Samuel 17:24
24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
2 Samuel 17:24
24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
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2 Samuel 17:24 meaning
David’s movement in 2 Samuel 17:24 occurs at a turbulent point in his monarchy, and the verse weaves together both his survival strategy and his son’s advancing rebellion. In the text, it reads, Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. (v.24) At this time, David (who reigned approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC) had fled Jerusalem to escape a coup led by his son Absalom, seeking safety across the Jordan River. Mahanaim, located in the region of Gilead east of the Jordan, served as a secure site for David to regroup and gather supporters. This area was historically fortified and had once served as a base for King Saul’s forces, making it a strategic place for David’s defense.
In contrast, Absalom pressed forward with his forces. Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. (v.24) His large army demonstrates how thoroughly he had seized the popular support of many Israelites, who rallied to his cause against David. Absalom’s rebellion is referenced in other passages as one of the most distressing times in David’s life, forcing him into flight and threatening his throne. Despite Absalom’s strong initial advantage, David’s faithful allies joined him in Mahanaim, and he would eventually withstand the uprising.
As an ancestor of Jesus, David’s trials and exiles highlight the theme of faithful endurance in Scripture. Although betrayed by his own son, he continued to trust the Lord’s sovereignty. In the broader biblical story, David’s journey reminds believers that God’s redemptive purposes prevail, even through conflicts that appear insurmountable.