2 Samuel 19:3

3 So that day the troops crept back into the city like soldiers creep back ashamed after they've fled from 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 Joab was told that the king was crying and mourning Absalom.

2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the troops because they heard that day that the king was grieving for his son.

3 So that day the troops crept back into the city like soldiers creep back ashamed after they've fled from battle.

4 The king covered his face and cried out in a loud voice, "Oh, my son Absalom! Oh, Absalom, my son! My son!"

5 Joab came to the king inside and said, "Today you have humiliated all your servants who have saved your life today, not to mention the lives of your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your secondary wives,