David's response to Rizpah is a poignant episode in the narrative of King David's reign, illustrating his sense of justice, compassion, and adherence to the covenantal obligations of Israel. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 21:1-14, where the actions of Rizpah, the concubine of Saul, prompt a significant response from King David.

Context and Background

The backdrop of this event is a severe famine that lasted three years during the reign of David. Seeking divine guidance, David inquired of the LORD, who revealed that the famine was a consequence of Saul's breach of a covenant with the Gibeonites. Saul had attempted to annihilate the Gibeonites, despite Israel's oath to spare them, made during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9).

To atone for this bloodguilt, David approached the Gibeonites to determine what could be done to make amends. The Gibeonites requested the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants. David agreed, sparing Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, due to his covenant with Jonathan, but handing over two sons of Rizpah and five grandsons of Saul.

Rizpah's Vigil

Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah and a concubine of Saul, displayed extraordinary devotion and maternal grief. After her sons were executed and their bodies exposed, Rizpah took sackcloth and spread it on a rock, keeping a vigil from the beginning of the harvest until rain fell from the heavens. She protected the bodies from birds and wild animals, demonstrating her deep love and respect for her sons and the deceased.

David's Response

David was informed of Rizpah's actions, and her steadfast vigil moved him deeply. Recognizing the injustice and the need for proper burial rites, David took action. He retrieved the bones of Saul and Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had previously rescued them from the Philistines. David then gathered the bones of those who had been executed and buried them in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father, in the land of Benjamin.

This act of David was significant for several reasons:

1. Justice and Compassion: David's response to Rizpah's vigil was an act of justice and compassion. By ensuring a proper burial for Saul's descendants, David honored the dead and acknowledged the dignity of human life, even in the face of political and covenantal complexities.

2. Covenantal Faithfulness: David's actions underscored his commitment to uphold the covenants of Israel. By addressing the bloodguilt and seeking to restore peace with the Gibeonites, David demonstrated his dedication to maintaining Israel's covenantal obligations before God.

3. National Reconciliation: The burial of Saul and his descendants in the family tomb served as a gesture of reconciliation and closure for the nation. It was a step towards healing the divisions and grievances that had lingered since Saul's reign.

Scriptural Reference

The Berean Standard Bible captures this narrative in 2 Samuel 21:13-14: "So David went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. And he brought up the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there, and they gathered the bones of those who had been executed. Then they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin, in Zela, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king commanded, God answered their prayers for the land."

David's response to Rizpah's vigil is a testament to his leadership qualities, reflecting a balance of justice, mercy, and adherence to divine directives. This episode highlights the importance of honoring covenants and the power of individual actions to influence national events.