2 samuel 21:11 - David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.
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What does "2 samuel 21:11" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 21:11, is best understood in the context of the surrounding story. It's a pivotal verse leading to David's actions and ultimately, a resolution of a famine. Here's a breakdown of what it means and why it's significant:
"David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done." This means someone informed King David about Rizpah's actions.
Who was Rizpah and what had she done?
Rizpah: She was a concubine (a secondary wife) of the deceased King Saul. In that time, concubines often held a special status related to the royal household.
What she had done: She had been protecting the bodies of her two sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth, and five grandsons of Saul who had been executed as a blood sacrifice to atone for Saul's broken oath with the Gibeonites. She spread sackcloth on a rock and kept watch over their bodies, preventing birds and wild animals from desecrating them. This was a long-term vigil, suggesting a deep devotion and a refusal to let the bodies be dishonored.
Why is this significant?
Show of Motherly Love and Respect for the Dead: Rizpah's actions highlighted her unwavering love for her sons and grandchildren, even in death. It also demonstrated a respect for the dead, which was a cultural value.
Symbol of Injustice: Her actions also spoke to the injustice of the execution. By protecting the bodies, she was implicitly protesting the harshness of the punishment.
Catalyst for David's Action: This news moved David. Rizpah's act of mourning and protection highlighted the brutal circumstances surrounding the deaths. David then took steps to collect the bones of Saul and Jonathan from Jabesh-gilead and buried them with the bones of those who were executed. This act of proper burial was important for religious reasons and likely helped to appease God and end the famine.
Ending the Famine: After David had the bones properly buried, "God heeded the prayer for the land." The famine that had plagued Israel ended. This links Rizpah's actions and David's response directly to the restoration of God's favor.
In summary, 2 Samuel 21:11 is a crucial verse that introduces Rizpah's courageous and devoted actions, which served as a catalyst for David to take action, ultimately leading to the end of the famine and the restoration of peace in the land. It highlights themes of justice, compassion, and the importance of honoring the dead.
2 samuel 21:11 - David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.
What does "2 samuel 21:11" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 21:11, is best understood in the context of the surrounding story. It's a pivotal verse leading to David's actions and ultimately, a resolution of a famine. Here's a breakdown of what it means and why it's significant:
"David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done." This means someone informed King David about Rizpah's actions.
Who was Rizpah and what had she done?
Rizpah: She was a concubine (a secondary wife) of the deceased King Saul. In that time, concubines often held a special status related to the royal household.
What she had done: She had been protecting the bodies of her two sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth, and five grandsons of Saul who had been executed as a blood sacrifice to atone for Saul's broken oath with the Gibeonites. She spread sackcloth on a rock and kept watch over their bodies, preventing birds and wild animals from desecrating them. This was a long-term vigil, suggesting a deep devotion and a refusal to let the bodies be dishonored.
Why is this significant?
Show of Motherly Love and Respect for the Dead: Rizpah's actions highlighted her unwavering love for her sons and grandchildren, even in death. It also demonstrated a respect for the dead, which was a cultural value.
Symbol of Injustice: Her actions also spoke to the injustice of the execution. By protecting the bodies, she was implicitly protesting the harshness of the punishment.
Catalyst for David's Action: This news moved David. Rizpah's act of mourning and protection highlighted the brutal circumstances surrounding the deaths. David then took steps to collect the bones of Saul and Jonathan from Jabesh-gilead and buried them with the bones of those who were executed. This act of proper burial was important for religious reasons and likely helped to appease God and end the famine.
Ending the Famine: After David had the bones properly buried, "God heeded the prayer for the land." The famine that had plagued Israel ended. This links Rizpah's actions and David's response directly to the restoration of God's favor.
In summary, 2 Samuel 21:11 is a crucial verse that introduces Rizpah's courageous and devoted actions, which served as a catalyst for David to take action, ultimately leading to the end of the famine and the restoration of peace in the land. It highlights themes of justice, compassion, and the importance of honoring the dead.