2 Samuel 21:11

And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

And it was told {H5046} David {H1732} what Rizpah {H7532} the daughter {H1323} of Aiah {H345}, the concubine {H6370} of Saul {H7586}, had done {H6213}.

David was told what Ritzpah the daughter of Ayah, the concubine of Sha'ul, had done.

When David was told what Saul’s concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, had done,

And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

2 Samuel 21:11 records a pivotal moment when King David is informed of the extraordinary actions of Rizpah, the concubine of the late King Saul. This verse serves as a brief but crucial bridge, leading into David's compassionate response to Rizpah's unwavering vigil.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of a severe, three-year famine in Israel, which David sought to understand. The Lord revealed that the famine was a divine judgment for Saul's past transgression against the Gibeonites, whom he had attempted to annihilate despite an ancient covenant (Joshua 9:15). To atone for this sin, the Gibeonites demanded the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants. David, honoring his covenant with Jonathan, spared Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 21:7) but handed over two of Rizpah's sons (Armoni and Mephibosheth, though not Jonathan's son) and five sons of Merab (Saul's daughter) to the Gibeonites. These seven were then hanged on a hill at the beginning of barley harvest (2 Samuel 21:9).

What Rizpah "had done" (mentioned in our verse) refers to her profound act of devotion described in the preceding verse (2 Samuel 21:10). She spread sackcloth on a rock and kept a relentless vigil over the bodies of her sons and the others from the harvest season until the much-needed rains came. Her purpose was to protect the bodies from scavenging birds by day and wild beasts by night, ensuring they were not desecrated and perhaps hoping for a proper burial.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Devotion and Grief: Rizpah's actions exemplify immense maternal love and profound grief. Her persistent watch over the dead demonstrates a deep commitment to honoring her sons, even in their death.
  • Consequences of Sin: The entire narrative underscores the long-lasting consequences of Saul's unrighteous actions, affecting even his innocent descendants and bringing divine judgment upon the land.
  • David's Leadership and Compassion: Upon hearing of Rizpah's sorrowful dedication, David is moved to action, demonstrating compassion and respect for the dead by ensuring the proper burial of Saul and Jonathan's bones, as well as the bodies of the seven executed men (2 Samuel 21:12-14).
  • Respect for the Dead: In ancient Israel, proper burial was highly valued, and desecration of bodies was considered a great shame. Rizpah's vigil highlights this cultural importance and David's subsequent actions align with this principle.

Linguistic Insights

The term "concubine" (Hebrew: pilegesh) refers to a woman who is a legitimate, though secondary, wife. While she might not have the full status of a primary wife, her children were often considered legitimate heirs, as seen with Rizpah's sons here. Her unique position as a concubine of the former king adds a layer of complexity to her status and the respect due to her.

Practical Application

Rizpah's story reminds us of the extraordinary power of love and perseverance in the face of tragedy. It challenges us to consider:

  • How we respond to grief and loss, finding ways to honor those we have lost.
  • The ripple effects of past actions, both good and bad, on future generations.
  • The importance of compassionate leadership that acknowledges suffering and seeks to bring resolution and respect, even in difficult circumstances.

Reflection

This single verse, "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done," serves as a testament to the powerful impact of one woman's unwavering devotion. It moved a king to action, leading to the proper burial of significant figures in Israel's history and the lifting of a national curse, underscoring that even in profound sorrow, acts of love and respect can bring about reconciliation and healing.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Samuel 2:4

    And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, [That] the men of Jabeshgilead [were they] that buried Saul.

  • Ruth 2:11

    And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

  • Ruth 2:12

    The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
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