This verse in 2 Samuel 19:3 describes the subdued and embarrassed return of David's army to Jerusalem after the death of Absalom. It highlights their shame and guilt, despite their victory. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"The people sneaked into the city that day...": This emphasizes that the army didn't return triumphantly with cheers and celebration. Instead, they entered the city covertly and quietly, almost as if they were doing something wrong.
"...as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.": This is the key simile. It compares their behavior to soldiers who have suffered a devastating defeat and are slinking away from the battlefield, trying to avoid being noticed or recognized.
Why were they ashamed?
Even though David's army had won the battle against Absalom's rebellion, there were several reasons for their shame and reluctance to celebrate:
The death of Absalom: David had explicitly ordered his commanders to spare his son Absalom's life. Joab disobeyed this order and killed Absalom. The army knew of David's great love for Absalom, and they likely felt guilty about his death. They anticipated David's grief and knew he wouldn't be happy about their victory.
Moral Ambiguity: The victory was tainted by the fact that they had fought against their own countrymen, led by David's own son. This created a moral dilemma and a sense of unease. It wasn't a clear-cut victory against a foreign enemy.
Empathy for David: The soldiers likely understood the depth of David's love for Absalom and felt empathy for his impending grief. They knew that their victory came at a great personal cost to their king.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of an army returning victorious in battle, yet feeling ashamed and defeated due to the circumstances surrounding Absalom's death and David's anticipated grief. It underscores the complex emotional and moral dimensions of war and victory.
This verse in 2 Samuel 19:3 describes the subdued and embarrassed return of David's army to Jerusalem after the death of Absalom. It highlights their shame and guilt, despite their victory. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"The people sneaked into the city that day...": This emphasizes that the army didn't return triumphantly with cheers and celebration. Instead, they entered the city covertly and quietly, almost as if they were doing something wrong.
"...as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.": This is the key simile. It compares their behavior to soldiers who have suffered a devastating defeat and are slinking away from the battlefield, trying to avoid being noticed or recognized.
Why were they ashamed?
Even though David's army had won the battle against Absalom's rebellion, there were several reasons for their shame and reluctance to celebrate:
The death of Absalom: David had explicitly ordered his commanders to spare his son Absalom's life. Joab disobeyed this order and killed Absalom. The army knew of David's great love for Absalom, and they likely felt guilty about his death. They anticipated David's grief and knew he wouldn't be happy about their victory.
Moral Ambiguity: The victory was tainted by the fact that they had fought against their own countrymen, led by David's own son. This created a moral dilemma and a sense of unease. It wasn't a clear-cut victory against a foreign enemy.
Empathy for David: The soldiers likely understood the depth of David's love for Absalom and felt empathy for his impending grief. They knew that their victory came at a great personal cost to their king.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of an army returning victorious in battle, yet feeling ashamed and defeated due to the circumstances surrounding Absalom's death and David's anticipated grief. It underscores the complex emotional and moral dimensions of war and victory.