And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle.
Soon after the messengers had brought the news of the defeat and death of Absalom to the court of Mahanaim, Joab and his victorious army followed, to grace the king's triumphs and receive his further orders. Now here we are told, I.
Commenting on 2 Samuel 19:1-8
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...
And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! (l) Because he considers both the judgment of God against his sin, and could not otherwise hide his fatherly affection for his son.
Commenting on 2 Samuel 19:1-3