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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 2 - Verse 33

2:33
Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but upon David, and upon his seed, and upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there be peace for ever from the LORD.

Meaning

This verse from the Bible is a prophecy given to King David regarding the consequences for the actions of Joab, his commander. The verse states that the blood shed by Joab and his descendants will result in a curse that will follow their family forever. This curse is a punishment for Joab's involvement in the killing of innocent men, including Abner and Amasa, which went against God's will. In contrast, the verse promises peace to David, his descendants, his house, and his throne from the Lord. This peace signifies the divine protection and favor that will be bestowed upon David's lineage, ensuring that they will not face the same repercussions as Joab's descendants. The verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the lasting consequences of one's actions on future generations.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 2 Samuel, there is a clear distinction between the consequences faced by Joab and his descendants compared to David and his lineage. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the principle of divine justice being carried out through the generations. The bloodshed caused by Joab will lead to perpetual repercussions for him and his seed, illustrating the concept of retribution for one's actions. On the other hand, David and his descendants are promised peace forever from the Lord, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. This verse serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of sin and the blessings that come from walking in righteousness. Word studies on phrases like "blood shall return upon the head" can deepen our understanding of the symbolism and significance of the language used in the passage, shedding light on the gravity of the judgement pronounced on Joab. Overall, this verse underscores the themes of justice, consequences, and the faithfulness of God in rewarding righteousness.

American Standard Version

So shall their blood return upon the head of Joab, and upon the head of his seed for ever: but unto David, and unto his seed, and unto his house, and unto his throne, shall there be peace for ever from Jehovah.
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