The men of Israel were gone away Had fled from before the Philistines, as it is explained, 1 Chronicles 11:13, being dismayed at the sight of them. And his hand clave unto the sword Being all besmeared with blood. The Lord wrought a great victory that day Like that of Shamgar and of Samson; God inspiring him with wonderful courage, and striking a terror into the Philistines. The people returned after him only to spoil They that had fled, rallied again when they saw the wonders he did; and followed after him, not to fight, but only to partake of the spoil.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 23:9
2 Samuel 23:9-10
9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.