23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed , he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home , to his city , and set his house in order , and strangled himself; thus he died and was buried in the grave of his father . 24 Then David came to Mahanaim . And Absalom crossed the Jordan , he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 Absalom set Amasa over the army in place of Joab . Now Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra the Israelite , who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash , sister of Zeruiah , Joab's mother . 26 And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead . 27 Now when David had come to Mahanaim , Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon , Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar , and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim , 28 brought beds , basins , pottery , wheat , barley , flour , parched grain, beans , lentils , parched seeds, 29 honey , curds , sheep , and cheese of the herd , for David and for the people who were with him, to eat ; for they said , "The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:23-29
Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:22-29
(Read 2 Samuel 17:22-29)
Ahithophel hanged himself for vexation that his counsel was not followed. That will break a proud man's heart which will not break a humble man's sleep. He thought himself in danger, concluding, that, because his counsel was not followed, Absalom's cause would fail; and to prevent a possible public execution, he does justice upon himself. Thus the breath is stopped, and the head laid low, from which nothing could be expected but mischief. Absalom chased his father. But observe how God sometimes makes up to his people that comfort from strangers, which they are disappointed of in their own families. Our King needs not our help; but he assures us, that what we do for the least of his brethren, who are sick, poor, and destitute, shall be accepted and recompensed as if done to himself