Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 17:26

"And Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead." — 2 Samuel 17:26 (ASV)

Pitched in the land of Gilead. —Gilead is the tract of country on the east of the Jordan, extending from the land of Moab on the south to Bashan on the north, the valley of the Hieromax forming probably its northern boundary. The site of Mahanaim has not been identified, but it was almost certainly within the territory of Gilead. Absalom, however, did not actually reach Mahanaim before he met and was defeated by the forces of David.