23 And Ahithophel hath seen that his counsel was not done, and he saddleth the ass, and riseth and goeth unto his house, unto his city, and giveth charge unto his household, and strangleth himself, and dieth, and he is buried in the burying-place of his father. 24 And David came to Mahanaim, and Absalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him; 25 and Amasa hath Absalom set instead of Joab over the host, and Amasa 'is' a man's son whose name is Ithra the Israelite who hath gone in unto Abigail, daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, mother of Joab; 26 and Israel encampeth with Absalom 'in' the land of Gilead. 27 And it cometh to pass at the coming in of David to Mahanaim, that Shobi, son of Nahash, from Rabbah of the Bene-Ammon, and Machir son of Ammiel, from Lo-Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite, from Rogelim, 28 couch, and basin, and earthen vessel, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and roasted 'corn', and beans, and lentiles, and roasted 'pulse', 29 and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, have brought nigh for David, and for the people who 'are' with him to eat, for they said, 'Thy people 'is' 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