Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 17:24

"Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him." — 2 Samuel 17:24 (ASV)

Mahanaim. —See Note on 2 Samuel 2:8. The same reasons which made it a favourable place for the capital of Ish-bosheth, recommended it also as a place of refuge to David and a rallying point for his adherents.