שמואל ב, פרק י״ט, פסוק י״ח

A massive gathering converges at the Jordan river to escort the returning king. A thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin accompany Shimei, while Ziba, the servant of Saul's household, arrives with his fifteen sons and twenty servants. Their shared goal is to cross the water and bring the king back [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The nature of this crossing draws different explanations. The primary approach among commentators is that the group simply waded across, taking advantage of a shallow section of the Jordan that allowed them to pass on foot [רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. However, others describe a more forceful passage, comparing their movement to the physical splitting of wood [רד״ק]. Because of the immense crowd surging into the river, it appeared as if the water itself was being split apart [רלב״ג]. Another interpretation suggests that the men actively parted the waters using their shields as they advanced [רש״י].

The timing and positioning of their crossing in relation to the king offer further insight. Some explain that their primary goal was to cross over simply to present themselves and stand directly in front of the king [רד״ק]. Others view their positioning as a deliberate display of royal etiquette and submission, crossing ahead of the king in the respectful manner of servants walking before their master [מצודת דוד]. A third approach understands their movement chronologically, noting that the group crossed the river before the king made his own crossing, ensuring the path was fully prepared for his return [מלבי״ם].