2 Samuel 19:3

3 The people came into the city quietly that day. They were like an army that had been defeated in battle and had run away.

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 People told Joab, "Look, the king is sad and crying because of Absalom."

2 David's army had won the battle that day. But it became a very sad day for all the people, because they heard that the king was very sad for his son.

3 The people came into the city quietly that day. They were like an army that had been defeated in battle and had run away.

4 The king covered his face and cried loudly, "My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!"

5 Joab went into the king's house and said, "Today you have shamed all your men. They saved your life and the lives of your sons, daughters, wives, and slave women.