2 Samuel 21:10

And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain from heaven poured down on the bodies, she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.

Study Bible

Rizpah the daughter of Aiah
Rizpah, whose name means "glowing coal" in Hebrew, is a poignant figure in this narrative. As the daughter of Aiah, she is identified by her lineage, which was a common practice in ancient Israel to establish identity and social standing. Rizpah's actions reflect a deep maternal devotion and a sense of justice, as she seeks to honor her deceased sons. Her account is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of women in the Bible, often acting as agents of change and compassion.

took sackcloth
Sackcloth, a coarse material made from goat's hair, was traditionally worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. By taking sackcloth, Rizpah is publicly displaying her grief and lamentation. This act of donning sackcloth is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, symbolizing humility and a plea for divine intervention. It underscores the depth of her sorrow and her unwavering commitment to her sons, even in death.

spread it for herself on the rock
The act of spreading sackcloth on the rock signifies Rizpah's determination to remain steadfast in her vigil. The rock serves as a place of both physical and symbolic significance, representing stability and endurance. In the harsh landscape of ancient Israel, a rock would provide a vantage point and a place of refuge. Rizpah's choice to position herself on the rock highlights her resolve to protect the bodies of her sons from desecration.

from the beginning of the harvest
The timing of Rizpah's vigil, beginning with the harvest, is significant. The harvest season was a time of gathering and celebration, yet for Rizpah, it marked the start of a period of mourning and watchfulness. This juxtaposition emphasizes the personal tragedy she endures amidst a season of communal joy. The harvest also symbolizes a time of divine provision, contrasting with the barrenness of Rizpah's loss.

until the rain poured down from the heavens
The rain pouring down from the heavens can be seen as a divine response to Rizpah's perseverance. In the arid climate of Israel, rain was often viewed as a blessing from God, a sign of His favor and mercy. This phrase suggests a turning point, where Rizpah's relentless devotion is met with a heavenly acknowledgment, perhaps indicating the end of a period of judgment and the beginning of restoration.

on the bodies
The bodies refer to the remains of Rizpah's sons, who were executed as part of a retributive justice against the house of Saul. In ancient Israelite culture, proper burial was of utmost importance, and leaving bodies exposed was a profound dishonor. Rizpah's vigil over the bodies underscores her desire to restore dignity to her sons, even in death, and to appeal for their rightful burial.

She did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day
Rizpah's vigilance in preventing the birds of the air from resting on the bodies during the day highlights her protective nature. Birds, often seen as scavengers, would desecrate the remains, and Rizpah's actions demonstrate her commitment to preserving the honor of her sons. This phrase reflects the biblical theme of guardianship and the sanctity of the human body.

or the beasts of the field by night
Similarly, Rizpah's efforts to keep the beasts of the field away at night further illustrate her dedication. The beasts represent the natural threats that could defile the bodies, and Rizpah's constant watchfulness is a testament to her love and determination. This phrase echoes the biblical motif of light versus darkness, with Rizpah's presence serving as a beacon of hope and protection in the night.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rizpah
The daughter of Aiah and a concubine of King Saul. Her actions in this passage demonstrate deep maternal devotion and mourning.

2. The Rock
The location where Rizpah spread sackcloth and kept vigil over the bodies of her sons. It symbolizes a place of mourning and steadfastness.

3. The Harvest
Marks the beginning of Rizpah's vigil, indicating a time of gathering and provision, yet juxtaposed with her personal loss and grief.

4. The Rain
Signifies the end of Rizpah's vigil and can be seen as a symbol of cleansing and divine intervention.

5. The Bodies
Refers to the bodies of Rizpah's sons, who were executed as part of a retribution against Saul's house to atone for his breach of covenant with the Gibeonites.

Teaching Points

Devotion in Grief
Rizpah's unwavering vigil teaches us about the power of love and devotion, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow.

Justice and Mercy
The account highlights the tension between justice and mercy, urging us to consider how we balance these in our own lives.

Perseverance in Prayer
Rizpah's persistence can inspire us to remain steadfast in prayer and faith, trusting in God's timing for resolution and healing.

Respect for the Dead
Her actions remind us of the importance of honoring the dignity of every human life, even after death.

Divine Intervention
The rain symbolizes God's intervention and the hope that comes after a period of trial, encouraging us to trust in God's ultimate plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rizpah's devotion to her sons challenge or inspire your understanding of love and sacrifice?

2. In what ways does Rizpah's account reflect the biblical principle of justice, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

3. How can Rizpah's perseverance during her vigil encourage us in our own times of waiting and prayer?

4. What does Rizpah's respect for the dead teach us about the value of human life, and how can we apply this in our interactions with others?

5. How does the eventual rain in the account symbolize hope and divine intervention, and where have you seen similar instances in your own life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 21:22-23
This passage discusses the treatment of executed bodies, emphasizing the importance of burial and respect, which Rizpah's actions highlight.

Genesis 9:6
The sanctity of human life is underscored, reflecting Rizpah's determination to honor her sons even in death.

Psalm 57:1
The imagery of seeking refuge under God's wings parallels Rizpah's protective actions over her sons.

Matthew 5:4
The Beatitude "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" connects to Rizpah's mourning and the eventual divine intervention through rain.