Ai'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical and narrative contexts of the books of 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel. The name Ai'ah is of Hebrew origin, meaning "falcon" or "vulture," which may imply swiftness or keen sight.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 3:7 · Ai'ah is noted as the father of Rizpah, a concubine of King Saul. The verse states, "Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, 'Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?'" . This passage highlights a significant moment in the power struggle following King Saul's death, where accusations against Abner, the commander of Saul's army, lead to political tension and eventual shifts in allegiance.

2. 2 Samuel 21:8-11 · Rizpah, the daughter of Ai'ah, is further mentioned in the context of a tragic event during King David's reign. The text recounts how Rizpah's sons were among the seven descendants of Saul handed over to the Gibeonites and executed to atone for Saul's breach of a covenant. Rizpah's subsequent act of mourning and protecting the bodies from scavengers is a poignant narrative of maternal devotion and grief.

3. 1 Chronicles 1:40 · Ai'ah is also listed in the genealogies of the descendants of Seir the Horite. The verse reads, "The sons of Shobal: Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah." . This genealogical record situates Ai'ah within the broader context of the Horite clans, who were inhabitants of the land of Edom.

Historical and Theological Context:

Ai'ah's mention in the biblical text, though brief, connects to significant historical and theological themes. The narrative involving Rizpah, Ai'ah's daughter, underscores the complexities of justice, covenant faithfulness, and the human cost of political decisions in ancient Israel. Rizpah's vigil over her sons' bodies is often interpreted as a powerful testament to the dignity of human life and the enduring impact of a mother's love.

The genealogical reference in 1 Chronicles situates Ai'ah within the lineage of the Horites, a group known for their early settlement in the region of Edom. This connection highlights the diverse ethnic and familial ties present in the biblical narrative, reflecting the intricate tapestry of relationships that shaped the history of Israel and its neighboring peoples.

In summary, Ai'ah's presence in the biblical text, though limited, serves as a link to broader narratives of familial loyalty, justice, and the unfolding history of God's people as recorded in the Old Testament.Ai'ah (5 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 3:7
Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, "Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?"
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:8
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:10
Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water was poured on them from the sky. She allowed neither the birds of the sky to rest on them by day, nor the animals of the field by night.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:11
It was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:40
The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah.
(See RSV)

Ai'ah (5 Occurrences)
Ai'ah. A'iah, Ai'ah. Aiah's . Multi-Version Concordance Ai'ah (5
Occurrences). 2 Samuel 3:7 Now Saul had a concubine, whose name ...
/a/ai'ah.htm - 7k

Re-ai'ah (4 Occurrences)
Re-ai'ah. Reaiah, Re-ai'ah. Real . Multi-Version Concordance Re-ai'ah
(4 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 4:2 Reaiah the son of Shobal ...
/r/re-ai'ah.htm - 7k

Re-el-ai'ah (1 Occurrence)
Re-el-ai'ah. Reelaiah, Re-el-ai'ah. Reeled . Multi-Version Concordance
Re-el-ai'ah (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel ...
/r/re-el-ai'ah.htm - 6k

Real (26 Occurrences)

/r/real.htm - 14k

Reaiah (4 Occurrences)

/r/reaiah.htm - 8k

Reeled (3 Occurrences)

/r/reeled.htm - 7k

Reelaiah (1 Occurrence)

/r/reelaiah.htm - 7k

Aiah's (2 Occurrences)

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A'iah (1 Occurrence)
A'iah. Aiah, A'iah. Ai'ah . Multi-Version Concordance A'iah (1 Occurrence).
Genesis ... father. (See RSV). Aiah, A'iah. Ai'ah . Reference Bible.
/a/a'iah.htm - 6k

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