2 Samuel 18:17

a very great heap of stones A monument of shame over the rebel's grave, as over that of Achan (Joshua 7:26), and the king of Ai (Joshua 8:29). Some think it was symbolic of the stoning which was the penalty of a rebel son (Deuteronomy 21:20-21). It is still a custom in the East for passers by to cast stones on the grave of a malefactor. See The Land and the Book, p. 490.

fled every one to his tent To his home. The use of the word tentis a relic of primitive nomad life. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 20:1; 2 Samuel 20:22.