“And it came to pass, when the child was dead, that Rizpah the daughter of Aiah the concubine of Saul, took sackcloth, and spread it upon a rock, and set a watch upon the dead, that the birds of the air should not eat them.”
Context:This verse is part of a larger narrative found in 2 Samuel 21:1-14. In this chapter, we see a time of famine in the land of Israel lasting for three years. David inquires of the Lord about the cause of the famine, and the Lord reveals that it is because of Saul’s earlier actions against the Gibeonites. To make amends, David asks the Gibeonites how they can be appeased. The Gibeonites request that seven of Saul’s descendants be handed over to them to be put to death. The verse in question highlights the response of Rizpah, one of Saul’s concubines.
Rizpah, a Woman of Great Sorrow:Rizpah was the daughter of Aiah and one of Saul’s concubines. After the death of Saul and his sons, she became a widow and her two sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth, were among the seven descendants of Saul handed over to the Gibeonites. The verse informs us that Rizpah took action in response to this difficult situation.
Rizpah’s Act of Devotion:Rizpah’s devotion is revealed in the following verses (2 Samuel 21:10-14). She sets up a tent on a rock and spreads sackcloth on it, making it her dwelling place. From the beginning of the barley harvest until the rain came, Rizpah stayed there day and night to guard the bodies of her sons and the other descendants of Saul, preventing wild animals and birds from devouring them. Her act of devotion and vigilance is a demonstration of her love for her children and her dedication to their honor and memory.
Lessons from Rizpah’s Story:
- Mother’s Love and Sacrifice:Rizpah’s actions highlight the depth of a mother’s love for her children. Her commitment to protecting their remains showcases a mother’s sacrificial nature, even in the face of grief and adversity.
- Faithfulness and Loyalty:Rizpah’s unwavering dedication shows her loyalty to her family, even after their deaths. Her vigilance symbolizes her refusal to let their memory be forgotten and her commitment to honoring their lives.
- Respect for the Dead:Rizpah’s actions reflect the cultural importance of respecting the dead and providing them with a proper burial. Her vigil demonstrates the value placed on honoring the deceased and not allowing their remains to be dishonored or disregarded.
- A Call for Justice:The story of Rizpah also reveals the consequences of Saul’s actions and the importance of justice. The famine was a result of Saul’s violation of the covenant made with the Gibeonites, and Rizpah’s actions are a poignant reminder of the need for accountability and restitution.
- Redemption and Restoration:The narrative ultimately ends with David’s intervention, as he retrieves the bones of Saul and Jonathan, along with the remains of the other descendants, and gives them a proper burial in their ancestral tomb. This act signifies the redemption and restoration of honor to the house of Saul, and a resolution to the famine.
Application:Rizpah’s devotion serves as a powerful example of steadfast faith, love, and obedience to God’s will, encouraging believers to trust in God’s providence even in times of hardship and to act with compassion toward those who suffer.
Overall, 2 Samuel 21:11 presents us with the remarkable story of Rizpah’s devotion and the lessons we can learn from her example.
