2 Samuel 19:3

3 The army straggled back to the city that day demoralized, dragging their tails.

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 David was weeping and lamenting over Absalom.

2 The day's victory turned into a day of mourning as word passed through the army, "David is grieving over his son."

3 The army straggled back to the city that day demoralized, dragging their tails.

4 And the king held his face in his hands and lamented loudly, O my son Absalom, Absalom my dear, dear son!

5 But in private Joab rebuked the king: "Now you've done it - knocked the wind out of your loyal servants who have just saved your life, to say nothing of the lives of your sons and daughters, wives and concubines.