2 Samuel 17:24 kjv
Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
2 Samuel 17:24 nkjv
Then David went to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
2 Samuel 17:24 niv
David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.
2 Samuel 17:24 esv
Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.
2 Samuel 17:24 nlt
David soon arrived at Mahanaim. By now, Absalom had mobilized the entire army of Israel and was leading his troops across the Jordan River.
2 Samuel 17 24 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 32:1-2 | "And Jacob went on his way… two companies (Mahanaim)." | Jacob's angelic encounter at Mahanaim. |
| Josh 13:26 | "Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim and Mahanaim." | Mahanaim, a city in Gad's territory. |
| Josh 21:38 | "and from the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead... and Mahanaim." | Mahanaim, a Levitical city of refuge. |
| 2 Sam 2:8-9 | "Abner... took Ish-bosheth... brought him to Mahanaim; and he made him king..." | Mahanaim, former capital of Ish-bosheth. |
| Gen 32:9-10 | "I have crossed over this Jordan with my staff." | Jacob crosses Jordan, facing brother Esau. |
| Josh 3:15-17 | "the priests... stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan." | Israel crossing Jordan miraculously into land. |
| Judg 12:5-6 | "the Gileadites intercepted the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites." | Control of Jordan fords in times of conflict. |
| 2 Kgs 2:7-8 | "Elijah took his cloak... struck the water... and they both crossed on dry ground." | Elijah and Elisha crossing the Jordan. |
| Ps 3:1-2 | "O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me." | David's cry concerning numerous adversaries. |
| Ps 3:3-5 | "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me... I lay down and slept." | David's trust in God amidst flight. |
| Ps 41:9 | "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." | Betrayal by a trusted one, relevant to Absalom. |
| Ps 55:12-14 | "It is not an enemy who taunts me... but it is you, a man, my equal." | Deep hurt from a close betrayer, akin to Absalom. |
| Prov 17:11 | "An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him." | Consequences for a rebellious nature. |
| 2 Sam 15:13-14 | "The heart of the men of Israel has gone after Absalom. Then David said... 'Let us flee!'" | David's initial flight from Jerusalem. |
| 2 Sam 16:5-13 | "Then Shimei came out and continued to curse him." | David enduring curses during his flight. |
| 2 Sam 15:6 | "Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." | Absalom's popular rebellion against David. |
| 2 Sam 20:1 | "Sheba... Blew the trumpet, and said, 'We have no portion in David.'" | Example of a later rebellion dividing Israel. |
| 1 Kgs 12:16 | "What portion have we in David? To your tents, O Israel!" | Northern tribes seceding from Rehoboam. |
| Prov 21:30-31 | "No wisdom... can avail against the Lord... The Lord gives the victory." | Divine sovereignty over human plans and battles. |
| Jer 10:23 | "the way of man is not in himself... It is not in man who walks to direct his steps." | God's ultimate control over human destinies. |
| Rom 13:2 | "whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed." | Principle of resistance to God-ordained authority. |
| Gal 6:7 | "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." | Principle of sowing and reaping applied to rebellion. |
| 1 Sam 17:2 | "Saul and the men of Israel... had put themselves in battle array." | Preparation for military engagement. |
2 Samuel 17 verses
2 Samuel 17 24 Meaning
This verse details the strategic movements of both King David and his rebellious son Absalom, establishing their positions for the impending conflict. David reached the ancient city of Mahanaim, locating himself in a place of historical significance and potential refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Simultaneously, Absalom, with a substantial portion of the united Israelite forces, definitively crossed the Jordan, signaling his resolute commitment to confront his father in battle. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the dramatic showdown that follows.
2 Samuel 17 24 Context
This verse occurs at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David (2 Samuel chapters 15-20). It immediately follows Hushai's successful deception of Absalom, convincing him to reject Ahithophel's sound strategic advice (2 Sam 17:1-14) in favor of a delayed, all-out pursuit. This delay was precisely what David needed. Historically and culturally, David's flight represents the deepest form of betrayal and disruption within a royal household and kingdom. For the ancient audience, such civil strife would resonate profoundly with the precariousness of power and the sanctity of divine kingship. Mahanaim, located east of the Jordan, offered David not only geographical refuge but also a connection to past divine encounters (Jacob's encounter with angels), perhaps suggesting a subconscious or intentional turning to God's ancient protective promise in this desperate time. Absalom's crossing of the Jordan signifies his final, decisive move to eliminate David and seize the throne, removing a geographical barrier that might have allowed for negotiation or pause. It was an unambiguous declaration of war.
2 Samuel 17 24 Word analysis
- Then: This temporal conjunction establishes a cause-and-effect relationship. It signifies the direct consequence of Hushai's successful counter-counsel (2 Sam 17:15-23), which bought David precious time, enabling him to reach a secure location.
- David: The established, legitimate king, despite his current fugitive status. His vulnerability highlights God's role in his ultimate deliverance.
- came to Mahanaim: Hebrew: va-yābō’ Dāwiḏ Maḥănayim (וַיָּבֹא דָוִד מַחֲנָיִם).
- came: Implies purposeful travel and successful arrival after a period of urgent flight.
- Mahanaim (מַחֲנַיִם): Literally "two camps" or "two companies." This name dates back to Jacob's encounter with God's angels when he was divided into two companies (Gen 32:2, 7-8) before meeting Esau. It was also Ish-bosheth's capital (2 Sam 2:8), known for its strategic location in Gilead, east of the Jordan. For David, it offered relative safety, historical resonance with divine protection, and potentially loyal local support.
- And Absalom: The usurper, David's son, representing the internal conflict and tragic division within the royal family and the nation.
- crossed: Hebrew: va-ya‘abōr (וַיַּעֲבֹר) from the root עָבַר (‘abar), meaning "to pass over, through, cross." This verb emphasizes a deliberate and unhindered movement across a significant natural barrier. It indicates a point of no return for Absalom and his forces, committing them fully to battle.
- the Jordan: The main river in the land of Israel, a significant geographical landmark and often a symbolic boundary. Crossing it marks a major transition, often from security to danger, or preparation for battle.
- he and all the men of Israel with him:
- he: Refers to Absalom, confirming his leadership of the approaching army.
- all the men of Israel with him: This phrase underscores the overwhelming numerical support Absalom garnered from the northern tribes, emphasizing the extensive reach and apparent success of his rebellion in attracting the national army. It tragically highlights the division within the nation. "Men of Israel" signifies a large, unified fighting force drawn from the majority of the tribes, ready for direct military engagement.
2 Samuel 17 24 Bonus section
- The strategic significance of Mahanaim as David's chosen refuge lies in its fortified nature and its location east of the Jordan, offering a degree of isolation from Jerusalem and a connection to more remote loyalties within Gilead. It was a defensible position for regrouping.
- The phrase "all the men of Israel with him" indicates the devastating scale of Absalom's temporary success in turning the hearts of the populace against their legitimate king. This division underscores the profound crisis within God's chosen nation and within the lineage of the Messiah.
- The crossing of the Jordan by Absalom echoes other significant Jordan crossings in Israelite history (e.g., Joshua entering the Promised Land). Here, however, it represents a movement towards conflict and civil war, a dark reversal of earlier hopeful crossings.
2 Samuel 17 24 Commentary
2 Samuel 17:24 marks a pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion, moving the narrative from strategic cunning to direct military confrontation. David's arrival in Mahanaim highlights the successful execution of Hushai's delaying tactics, allowing David time to consolidate resources and find a secure base of operations. Mahanaim, a place hallowed by Jacob's divine encounter, suggests that even in his desperate flight, David was providentially guided to a place of refuge where God's protective presence had been known. Simultaneously, Absalom's determined crossing of the Jordan with his consolidated forces signifies the inevitable collision of the two armies. There is no turning back now for either side. This decisive move confirms the rebellion's broad support among the Israelite populace, transforming David's personal crisis into a national civil war, and setting the immediate scene for the tragic climax to unfold.