2 Samuel 21:10
And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.
Original Language Analysis
בַת
the daughter
H1323
בַת
the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
3 of 29
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשַּׂ֜ק
sackcloth
H8242
הַשַּׂ֜ק
sackcloth
Strong's:
H8242
Word #:
6 of 29
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
וַתַּטֵּ֨הוּ
and spread
H5186
וַתַּטֵּ֨הוּ
and spread
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
7 of 29
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
הַצּוּר֙
it for her upon the rock
H6697
הַצּוּר֙
it for her upon the rock
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
10 of 29
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
מִתְּחִלַּ֣ת
from the beginning
H8462
מִתְּחִלַּ֣ת
from the beginning
Strong's:
H8462
Word #:
11 of 29
a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)
עַ֛ד
H5704
עַ֛ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
13 of 29
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נִתַּךְ
dropped
H5413
נִתַּךְ
dropped
Strong's:
H5413
Word #:
14 of 29
to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify
מַ֥יִם
until water
H4325
מַ֥יִם
until water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
15 of 29
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
17 of 29
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם
of the air
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם
of the air
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
18 of 29
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 29
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָתְנָה֩
and suffered
H5414
נָתְנָה֩
and suffered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
20 of 29
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
ע֨וֹף
neither the birds
H5775
ע֨וֹף
neither the birds
Strong's:
H5775
Word #:
21 of 29
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם
of the air
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם
of the air
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
22 of 29
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
לָנ֤וּחַ
to rest
H5117
לָנ֤וּחַ
to rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
23 of 29
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
24 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
26 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַיַּ֥ת
nor the beasts
H2416
חַיַּ֥ת
nor the beasts
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
27 of 29
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Deuteronomy 21:23His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.Zechariah 10:1Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.Joel 2:23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.1 Kings 21:27And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.2 Samuel 3:7And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?Jeremiah 14:22Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.Deuteronomy 21:13And she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month: and after that thou shalt go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife.Deuteronomy 11:14That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.Joel 1:18How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.Ezekiel 39:4Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
Historical Context
The historical setting of 2 Samuel 21 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding justice, covenant obligations provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of justice, covenant obligations?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.
This verse contributes to the narrative of Famine and Giants, emphasizing justice, covenant obligations. The three-year famine traced to Saul's treaty violation demonstrates God's demand for covenant faithfulness and justice. The execution of Saul's descendants and Rizpah's faithful vigil over their bodies presents complex ethical questions. The Philistine giant battles demonstrate ongoing threats. Theological themes include multi-generational covenant obligations, the high cost of treaty violations, God's demand for justice, and His provision of strength for continued battles.