2 Samuel 17:24

Then (Hebrew, and ) David came to Mahanaim. (On Mahanaim, see note on 2 Samuel 2:8 .) It was now a fortified city, with walls and gates ( 2 Samuel 18:24 ), and its strength of position, which had made it a safe capital for Ishbosheth, who had probably added to its defences, made it also a safe retreat for David while gathering his forces. As it was only about fifty miles distant from the fords of the Jordan, David had not retreated far; and, meanwhile, Absalom was wasting time in gathering "all the men of Israel" for the attack. During this interval Absalom was anointed king ( 2 Samuel 19:10 ) by the priests, with all due solemnity.