What Can We Learn from Rizpah, Daughter of Aiah?

by MarryEdwardd | 14 August 2020 08:46 pm08

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that you are well. Today, we are going to reflect on an important story from the Old Testament that teaches us about diligence, faithfulness, and God’s justice—the story of Rizpah, the concubine of King Saul.

The Context: Israel in Famine

At one point, Israel suffered a severe famine lasting three consecutive years. No rain fell upon the land. The people wondered why this calamity had come. According to the biblical account (2 Samuel 21:1, NIV):

“The Lord’s famine was on the land for three years, and David sought the Lord on behalf of the land.”

David initially sought to understand whether there was hidden sin among the people—perhaps secret idol worship. Despite careful investigation, nothing was found. Only when David inquired directly of God did the truth become clear: the famine was punishment for Saul’s violation of an ancient covenant with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15). Saul had killed the Gibeonites, breaking the covenant, and God’s justice demanded restitution.

Rizpah’s Tragedy

To appease God and end the famine, David asked the Gibeonites what would satisfy justice. They requested the lives of seven of Saul’s descendants (2 Samuel 21:6, ESV). Two of the seven were the sons of Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, a concubine of Saul. They were handed over and executed.

What Rizpah did next is remarkable. Scripture records:

2 Samuel 21:10 (NIV):
“Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock, from the beginning of the harvest until rain fell from the heavens on the bodies. She did not let the birds of the air touch them during the day or the wild animals at night.”

Imagine the pain of a mother who watches her children executed brutally, hanging on display, unburied. Yet Rizpah did not leave. Day and night, she guarded the remains to protect them from dishonor. Her actions reflect faithful mourning and zealous protection of the dead, illustrating a principle God honors: persistent devotion and courage in the face of injustice.

David’s Response and God’s Intervention

David observed Rizpah’s faithfulness and realized the theological significance: if a woman values the bones of her dead sons, how much more should he honor the bones of Saul and Jonathan, God’s anointed (1 Samuel 31:11–13)? David retrieved their bones, along with the bones of the seven sons, and buried them properly (2 Samuel 21:12–14, ESV).

The result? God answered prayer, and the famine ended:

“After that, God responded to the plea for the land, and the Lord gave rain upon the land.” (2 Samuel 21:14, NIV)

Theological Insights

1. God’s Justice is Inescapable
   The famine reminds us that God’s covenantal justice cannot be ignored. Saul’s violation of a treaty with the Gibeonites had spiritual consequences. Romans 13:1–4 teaches that God’s authority demands righteousness, and wrongdoing—even by a king—can bring consequences.
2. Persistent Devotion Matters
   Rizpah’s vigil illustrates the principle found in Luke 18:1–8: persistent faith and dedication influence outcomes. Her devotion to her children’s honor ultimately moved David and led to God’s mercy upon the land.
3. The Role of Intercessory Actions
   David’s actions, prompted by Rizpah’s zeal, show the power of intercession. Proverbs 31:8–9 reminds us to defend the rights of the defenseless. Rizpah’s protection of her children’s bodies is a form of intercessory righteousness.
4. God Uses the Faithfulness of the Humble
   Even though Rizpah was a concubine with no formal authority, God used her faithfulness to bring resolution. Scripture consistently shows that God honors humble obedience over position or status (1 Samuel 16:7).
5. Faithfulness Amid Injustice Bears Fruit
   Rizpah’s story is a model of steadfast faith and moral courage. She acted when no one else would. In James 2:17, faith without works is dead. Rizpah’s faith was active; her works brought about God’s mercy.

Lessons for Us Today

• God sees diligence and devotion, even when the world does not.
• Spiritual discipline, prayer, and persistence can open heaven’s blessings.
• Neglecting spiritual responsibility can hinder God’s provision, regardless of outward claims of faith.
• The faithfulness of others may influence God’s favor in our lives—so honor diligence and commitment wherever you see it.

Let us examine our own faithfulness. Are we persistent in prayer, vigilant in obedience, and zealous for God’s honor? Rizpah’s story challenges us to rise above complacency and act with devotion, even when it seems unnoticed.

Maranatha.

Please share this message, so others may be inspired by Rizpah’s example.

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Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/08/14/what-can-we-learn-from-rizpah-daughter-of-aiah/

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