Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 15:17

"And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak." — 2 Samuel 15:17 (ASV)

Tarried in a place that was far off. —Better, halted at the far house, that is, at a definite place known by this name, probably the last house on the outskirts of the city before the road crossed the Kidron. Here David mustered his forces and made the arrangements for his flight.