Sayyiduna Ka'b bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), speaking of when he stayed behind from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), mentioned the hadith and said: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) intended a campaign, he would indicate another direction; that is, he (peace and blessings be upon him) would use tawriyah (concealing his true intent).
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب السير / 18449