Rizpah, a concubine of King Saul, is a poignant biblical figure whose account is found in 2 Samuel 21:8-14. Her actions exemplify the depth of parental affection and the enduring love a mother holds for her children, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

Rizpah was the daughter of Aiah and bore Saul two sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth. During a time of famine, King David sought to make amends with the Gibeonites, who demanded the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants as retribution for Saul's previous offenses against them. Among those handed over were Rizpah's sons.

The narrative highlights Rizpah's profound grief and unwavering devotion. After her sons were executed and their bodies exposed, Rizpah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain poured down from the heavens, she kept a vigil over the bodies, protecting them from birds by day and wild animals by night. Her actions are recorded in 2 Samuel 21:10: "And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on the rock, from the beginning of the harvest until the rain from the heavens 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."

Rizpah's dedication did not go unnoticed. Her relentless watchfulness and the love she displayed for her deceased sons moved King David to action. He ordered the remains of Saul and Jonathan to be retrieved and, along with the bones of the executed men, given a proper burial in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father. This act of compassion and respect was a direct response to Rizpah's devotion, as noted in 2 Samuel 21:11-14.

Rizpah's account is a testament to the enduring nature of parental love. Her actions reflect a mother's heart, willing to endure hardship and humiliation to honor her children. Her vigil serves as a powerful example of the lengths to which a parent will go to protect and honor their offspring, even in death.

In the broader biblical context, Rizpah's account underscores the importance of parental affection and the moral responsibility of parents to care for and protect their children. Her example is a reminder of the sacrificial love that is central to the biblical understanding of parenthood, echoing the selfless love that God shows to His children.2 Samuel 21:10
And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped on them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.
Nave's Topical Index

What does the Bible say about overbearing or controlling parents? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about respecting your parents? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about obeying parents? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus