2 Samuel 19:3

3 They went back into the city quietly, like soldiers who are ashamed because they are running away 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 King David was weeping and mourning for Absalom.

2 And so the joy of victory was turned into sadness for all of David's troops that day, because they heard that the king was mourning for his son.

3 They went back into the city quietly, like soldiers who are ashamed because they are running away from battle.

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

5 Joab went to the king's house and said to him, "Today you have humiliated your men - the men who saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and of your wives and concubines.