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RIZPAH

(Heb. riṣpâ)

The concubine of Saul and daughter of Aiah, known for her devotion to her sons and her insistence that they have a proper burial. She became a minor player in the great sport of kingship, and an important factor between the ruling houses of Saul and of David.

After Saul’s suicide, his son Ishbosheth became king, in name only. He accused Abner, his father’s general, of having sexual relations with Rizpah (2 Sam. 3:6-11), a sign that Abner was usurping the kingship and claiming the throne as his own (cf. 2 Sam. 16:20-22; 1 Kgs. 2:22). Ishbosheth’s objection gave Abner an excuse to negotiate with David for the kingship, vowing to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David’s throne (2 Sam. 3:6-10).

Some 27 years later (ca. 970 b.c.e.) blame for a three-year famine was placed on Saul’s having violated Israel’s covenant with Gibeon (Josh. 9:3, 15-20). As recompense, David gave the Gibeonites seven of Saul’s descendants: Rizpah’s two sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth, and five sons of Saul’s daughter Merab (2 Sam. 21:5-6, 8). The seven were put to death and their bodies left exposed on a hill (2 Sam. 21:9). Rizpah spread sackcloth over a rock — a public sign the nation had repented — and began her vigil for a proper burial, from the barley harvest (Apr.) until the season of early rains (Oct.; 2 Sam. 21:10). Learning of her devotion, David ordered a public burial for the members of Saul’s household (2 Sam. 21:11-14).

Robin Gallaher Branch

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

RIZPAH

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)