2 Samuel 19:3

3 That day the troops sneaked into the city as if they had fled from battle and were ashamed of it.

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, "The king is crying and mourning for Absalom."

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

3 That day the troops sneaked into the city as if they had fled from battle and were ashamed of it.

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

5 Then Joab came into the house. "Today you have made all your men feel ashamed," he said. "They saved your life and the lives of your sons, daughters, wives, and concubines today.