Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 19:39

"And all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over: and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place." — 2 Samuel 19:39 (ASV)

The term “people” is especially applied in this narrative to David’s followers (2 Samuel 15:17; 2 Samuel 16:14; 2 Samuel 17:2; 2 Samuel 18:1–2; 2 Samuel 19:2–3). They crossed by the ford, while David and his household, accompanied by Barzillai and Chimham, came over in the ferry.