2 Samuel 3:29

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

יָחֻ֙לוּ֙ Let it rest H2342
יָחֻ֙לוּ֙ Let it rest
Strong's: H2342
Word #: 1 of 20
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֣אשׁ on the head H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ on the head
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 3 of 20
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
יוֹאָ֡ב of Joab H3097
יוֹאָ֡ב of Joab
Strong's: H3097
Word #: 4 of 20
joab, the name of three israelites
וְאֶ֖ל H413
וְאֶ֖ל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 20
near, with or among; often in general, to
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִבֵּ֣ית from the house H1004
מִבֵּ֣ית from the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 7 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֑יו and on all his father's H1
אָבִ֑יו and on all his father's
Strong's: H1
Word #: 8 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְֽאַל H408
וְֽאַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 9 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִכָּרֵ֣ת and let there not fail H3772
יִכָּרֵ֣ת and let there not fail
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 10 of 20
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
מִבֵּ֣ית from the house H1004
מִבֵּ֣ית from the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 11 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יוֹאָ֡ב of Joab H3097
יוֹאָ֡ב of Joab
Strong's: H3097
Word #: 12 of 20
joab, the name of three israelites
זָ֠ב one that hath an issue H2100
זָ֠ב one that hath an issue
Strong's: H2100
Word #: 13 of 20
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
וּמְצֹרָ֞ע or that is a leper H6879
וּמְצֹרָ֞ע or that is a leper
Strong's: H6879
Word #: 14 of 20
to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy
וּמַֽחֲזִ֥יק or that leaneth H2388
וּמַֽחֲזִ֥יק or that leaneth
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 15 of 20
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בַּפֶּ֛לֶךְ on a staff H6418
בַּפֶּ֛לֶךְ on a staff
Strong's: H6418
Word #: 16 of 20
a circuit (i.e., district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch
וְנֹפֵ֥ל or that falleth H5307
וְנֹפֵ֥ל or that falleth
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 17 of 20
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
בַּחֶ֖רֶב on the sword H2719
בַּחֶ֖רֶב on the sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 18 of 20
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וַֽחֲסַר or that lacketh H2638
וַֽחֲסַר or that lacketh
Strong's: H2638
Word #: 19 of 20
lacking; hence, without
לָֽחֶם׃ bread H3899
לָֽחֶם׃ bread
Strong's: H3899
Word #: 20 of 20
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Analysis & Commentary

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 contributes to the narrative of Abner Defects and Dies, emphasizing political maneuvering, revenge consequences. This chapter illustrates the complexity of political transition and personal revenge. Abner's defection using covenant language (brit, בְּרִית) contrasts with Joab's treacherous murder, demonstrating how personal vengeance undermines national purposes. The text develops themes of legitimate vs illegitimate authority, the corrupting power of revenge, and maintaining integrity when others act unethically.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 3 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding political maneuvering, revenge consequences provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

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