John Gill Commentary 2 Samuel 15:12

"And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David`s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom." — 2 Samuel 15:12 (ASV)

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel, the Gilonite, David's
counsellor

To advise with about this treasonable affair he was involved in, and to learn from him David's secrets. Ahithophel was considered the best counsellor in the land, and Absalom might hope he would come to him, especially if he was the grandfather of Bathsheba, as the Jews say (2 Samuel 11:3, 23:34). In that case, he might be disgusted with and resent David's adultery with Bathsheba his granddaughter, and the murder of her husband Uriah. Him he sent for,

from his city, [even] from Giloh;

a city in the tribe of Judah, in the mountainous part of it, near to Hebron, where Absalom now was. According to Bunting ^F9, it was twenty miles from Jerusalem (see Joshua 15:48, 15:51, 15:54).

while he offered sacrifices;

not Ahithophel, but Absalom, referring to his peace offerings at Hebron, to which he invited Ahithophel to come and partake.

and the conspiracy was strong;

or there was a great number involved in the conspiracy, who were assembled together.

for the people increased continually with Absalom;

drawn to him by the comeliness of his person, his affable behavior, the pomp and magnificence in which he appeared, the great number of the principal inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, he being the king's eldest son, and thus heir to the crown.

It might also begin to be rumored about that David intended Solomon, a son of Bathsheba, a young prince, to be his successor, which did not meet with general approbation at first.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F9: Travels p. 149.