Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel chapter 21


Rizpah was the daughter of Aiah and one of King Saul’s concubines. Rizpah bore Saul two sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth. Armoni and Mephibosheth were hanged, along with five of their half brothers, and all because they were descendants of Saul.

Rizpah paid a terrible price for the sins of Saul and his family. If anyone could have understood Rizpah’s pain and anguish at the death of her sons, GOD did. HE understood how it felt to sacrifice an innocent son for the sins of others. Even in the midst of her pain, Rizpah found the strength to spread her sackcloth {a sign of mourning} and protect the unburied bodies of her sons from birds and wild animals. Rizpah was so vigilant, that David heard of her actions. He came and cut down the bodies of Saul’s seven sons and gave them each a proper burial.

Rizpah’s response to her sons’ deaths touched the heart of GOD and HE sent David to bury them. GOD also answered the prayers of Israel - all because of a mother’s love and devotion, all because Rizpah would not abandon the bodies of her beloved sons.

Rizpah could have lived the rest of her life as a bitter, hateful woman. Instead, she decided to honor and respect the memory of her sons and her actions touched the heart of GOD and changed the fate of a nation.

Life often throws things in our path that we cannot even begin to comprehend, things we don’t ever think we can get over or learn to live with. Yet, even in these experiences, these trials, we have a choice to make. Are we going to be bitter or better? Are we going to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and keep plodding along? Or are we going to stop living, stop breathing, and stop smiling? Rest assured, those trials will come ~ and at times, they will come all at once. Will you feel overwhelmed? Sure. Will you wonder how you’re going to get through this? It’s understandable. Will you give up; throw in the towel? That is up to you. You don’t have to give up. You can choose to be bettered by this trial. You can choose JESUS and allow HIM to hold you during those dark and trying times. In your times of great despair, you can choose to turn to GOD and allow HIM to comfort you and speak peace to your soul and spirit. So, what’s it going to be? What will you choose? WHOM will you choose?

Thanks for sharing Beckie!