2 Samuel 19:3

3 so that the people entered the city furtively that day, the way that people who are ashamed creep away when fleeing a battlefield.

2 Samuel 19:3 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:3

And the people got them by stealth that day into the city
Did not march into it in companies, in a public and triumphant manner, as conquerors used to do; but entered in a private manner, one by one, or a very few together, not caring to be seen or known, at least by the king, as fearing they had incurred his displeasure: but

as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle;
as if they had been conquered, and not conquerors; nay, had acted a cowardly part, and ran away; and so cared not to be seen, lest they should be reproached, or suffer for their cowardice.

2 Samuel 19:3 In-Context

1 Yo'av was told, "The king is weeping, mourning for Avshalom."

2 Thus the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said that day that the king was grieving for his son;

3 so that the people entered the city furtively that day, the way that people who are ashamed creep away when fleeing a battlefield.

4 Meanwhile, the king covered his face and cried aloud, "Oh, my son Avshalom! Oh, Avshalom, my son, my son!"

5 Yo'av went inside to the king and said, "Today you made all your servants feel ashamed. They saved your life today, and the lives of your sons, daughters, wives and concubines.