2 Samuel 19:3

3 So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a 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 Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.”

2 And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.”

3 So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle.

4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines.