Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty dramatic and important passage about leadership and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Joab – the man who was a key soldier under David – should be completely and utterly responsible for everything that happens to his father’s house. It's essentially a very strong, final judgment on him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Let it rest on the head of Joab…” : This means Joab must bear the full weight and consequences of everything that happens to his father’s house. It’s not just a minor oversight; he has to deal with every problem. “…and on all his father's house…” : This is a huge statement. It’s saying Joab must handle everything associated with the entire family of David. Think of it as having complete ownership and responsibility for everything that happened within that household. “Let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue…” : This is a warning about potential problems within the family. "An issue" means a problem, hardship, or difficulty. The verse implies that Joab must deal with these issues – whether it’s a child, someone who is sick/disabled, someone needing help, or something else. “…or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.” : This is the most chilling part. It's listing specific consequences if Joab fails to take care of his father’s house. These are all things that would cause significant pain and hardship – essentially, he’d have to deal with serious problems. What does it mean in a bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the importance of leadership and accountability. It suggests: Responsibility: Joab has a huge responsibility to protect and care for his father's house – meaning he’s responsible for everything that happens within it. Consequences: If he fails to fulfill this responsibility, there will be serious consequences for him and potentially for the family as a whole. Context is Key It's important to note that this verse comes from a very difficult time in David’s life – after his defeat at Gutarramon. It highlights the gravity of Joab's situation and the need for him to take full accountability for his actions. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general interpretation and understanding of the text. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like: A deeper dive into one of the consequences listed? A comparison to another part of the Bible?