Women of the Bible - Rizpah

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I enjoy researching the "little known" women of the Bible.  Today, let's talk about Rizpah (a glowing stone). 

Rizpah was a daughter of Aiah, who became a concubine of King Saul.  She bore 2 sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth.  After Saul's death, Abner had sex with Rizpah, an act that was equal to claiming the throne of Israel.  (remember Abner was commander of Saul's army) One of Saul's sons by another woman accused
Abner of immorality and disloyalty and Abner because so angry that he changed his loyalty from Saul to David. 

The Gibeonites (who were remnants of the Amorites - not Israelites) murdered 7 members of Rizpah's family by impaling them and left their bodies unburied.  This was a terrible violation of the Hebrew ritual treatment of the dead.  The ancient Israelites handling of corpses included a speedy burial and leaving the bodies out for the elements to destroy was the height of insult.  Rizpah was so horrified at the treatment of her family that she spread sackcloth on a rock for herself and kept a vigil so that the  birds and animals wouldn't eat the rotting corpses.  David was moved at her actions and had the bodies collected to be disposed of honorably.

Conclusion:

It's amazing at the loyalty of Rizpah and how strong and courageous she was.  She was determined to prevent ultimate insult of her loved ones.  

I can only imagine how tired and hungry....and the extreme exhaustion that she felt....simply trying to honor her family.

HOPE you have a great Tuesday, 

Sweet Reader!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!