2 Samuel 19:3

3 So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle.

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 It was reported to Joab, "The king is weeping. He's mourning over Absalom."

2 That day's victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, "The king is grieving over his son."

3 So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle.

4 But the king hid his face and cried out at the top of his voice, "My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!"

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, "Today you have shamed all your soldiers-those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines.