Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
Let this guilt fall on Joab and his entire family; and may there always be someone in Joab's family who has a discharge, or has leprosy, or walks with a cane, or dies by the sword, or goes hungry.
David is pronouncing a curse on Joab and his family line, asking that they suffer ongoing misfortune and hardship as punishment for his actions.
📚 Historical Context
This curse comes after Joab murdered Abner, who was Saul's former military commander and had recently made peace with David. David was trying to unite Israel and Judah, but Joab's revenge killing threatened this political reconciliation. David publicly cursed Joab to distance himself from the murder and show he didn't approve of it.
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