Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 17:19

"And the woman took and spread the covering over the well`s mouth, and strewed bruised grain thereon; and nothing was known." — 2 Samuel 17:19 (ASV)

A covering - The Hebrew is “the covering,” perhaps referring to the hanging or awning at the door of the house, as the word seems to mean when used in reference to the tabernacle.

Ground corn - Or “peeled barley,” which she spread out as if for the purpose of drying it in the sun.