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
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, King David is consolidating his rule after the death of King Saul, during a time of civil war between the houses of Saul and David. Abner, Saul's former commander, defects to David's side but is murdered by Joab, David's own general, in an act of personal revenge for Joab's brother. David publicly curses Joab and his family to distance himself from the crime and to invoke divine judgment, emphasizing his commitment to justice.
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