2 Samuel 13:34

But Absalom fled This brief statement of Absalom's escape is inserted here in anticipation of 2 Samuel 13:37, in order to contrast Absalom's flight with the return of the king's sons to Jerusalem.

the young man that kept the watch At Jerusalem, probably in the tower over one of the gates. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 18:24.

much people The princes had been attended by a numerous retinue of followers.

by the way of the hill side behind him From the way behind him from the side of the hill: that is probably, if the text is sound, from the west. But the Sept. has important variations, thus: "And behold much people were coming in the way behind him by the side of the hill at the descent. And the watchman came and told the king, and said, I have seen men coming from the way of Oronen, by the side of the hill. And Jonadab said," &c. Oronenmay represent Horonaimor Beth-horon, the dual form referring to the two places of that name, the "Upper" and "Lower" Beth-horon which lay north-west of Jerusalem.