שמואל ב, פרק י״ט, פסוק ט״ז

David sets out on his journey from Mahanaim, located east of the Jordan, and advances to the edge of the river. To welcome him, the tribe of Judah gathers at Gilgal on the western side of the Jordan [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their meeting is a deliberate act of honor. The people of Judah arrive specifically to escort the king across the water, turning his return into a formal ceremony where he is proudly accompanied by his subjects as he crosses the river [ביאור שטיינזלץ].