What does 2 Samuel 3:29 mean?
"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." - 2 Samuel 3:29
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 3:29 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "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."
This verse comes from a passage in the Book of 2 Samuel that is part of the historical narrative of David's reign as king of Israel. The verse is part of a lament that David speaks upon the death of Abner, the commander of Saul's army who had defected and attempted to join with David's kingdom. Joab, David's own commander, had been deeply opposed to Abner's defection and had harbored a grudge against him. When Joab's brother, Asahel, was killed by Abner in battle, Joab had been seeking revenge. However, Abner's death was not at the command of David, and he was deeply troubled by the loss of a key figure who could have helped unite the kingdom of Israel.
In this verse, David is placing a curse on Joab and his family for their role in the death of Abner. The curse encompassed several dimensions, including physical ailments such as leprosy and disabilities, as well as economic hardship in the form of lacking bread. This curse was intended as a way to bring justice for the bloodshed of Abner and to show the severity of David's disapproval of Joab's actions.
One of the key themes of this verse is the concept of justice and the consequences of one's actions. Joab's actions in taking revenge against Abner led to a cycle of violence and ultimately his own downfall. David's curse upon Joab's household was a declaration of the consequences of his actions and a warning to future generations that justice would be served.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The period of David's reign as king was marked by complex political and military struggles as he sought to establish his rule over all of Israel. The death of Abner was a significant event in this struggle, and David's response to it was a reflection of his leadership and the moral code he sought to uphold.
The symbolism in this verse is also powerful. The idea of physical infirmities and economic hardship being placed on Joab's family represents the idea of divine punishment and the moral implications of one's actions. It also underscores the significance of the bloodshed and the need for retribution.
Overall, 2 Samuel 3:29 is a powerful and poignant verse that reflects the complexities of leadership, justice, and divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions and the enduring impact of violence and revenge. In a broader sense, it also speaks to the universal themes of justice and morality that are central to the human experience.
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2 Samuel 3:29 - "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."
2 Samuel 3:29 (KJVA) 29 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 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." - 2 Samuel 3:29
2 Samuel 7:1–29
2 Samuel 15:29 - "Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there."
2 Samuel 22:29 - "For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness."
2 Samuel 12:29 - "And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it."
2 Samuel 23:29 - "Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,"
1 Samuel 29:2 - "And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish."
2 Samuel 2:29 - "And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim."
2 Samuel 17:29 - "And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness."
2 Samuel 3:2 - "¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;"
2 Samuel 19:29 - "And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land."
2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"
2 Samuel 3:4 - "And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;"
2 Samuel 3:3 - "And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;"
2 Chronicles 29:3 - "¶ He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them."
2 Samuel 3:11 - "And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him."
2 Samuel 13:29 - "And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled."
2 Samuel 14:29 - "Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come."
2 Samuel 3:33 - "And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?"
2 Samuel 3:5 - "And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron."
2 Samuel 2:3 - "And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron."
"Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there." - 2 Samuel 15:29
2 Samuel 7:3 - "And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee."
2 Samuel 18:29 - "And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was."
2 Chronicles 29:3 (KJVA) 3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.
2 Chronicles 29:3 (KJVA) 3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.
2 Samuel 3:37 - "For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner."
2 Samuel 3:15 - "And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish."