שמואל ב, פרק י״ז, פסוק כ״ד

The rebellion now escalates into open military conflict and a physical pursuit that pushes beyond the central borders of the land. The primary approach among commentators is that a simultaneous movement of flight and pursuit unfolds. On one side, David arrives at the city of Mahanaim, located across the Jordan River, with the explicit goal of escaping and saving his life from his son.

At the same time, Absalom crosses the river in direct pursuit of his father, accompanied by all the men of Israel. This massive presence reveals that Absalom's entire camp has fully mobilized. They are not merely crossing a geographic boundary; they are fully deployed and prepared for a direct, frontal war.