You may be scratching your head, trying to remember where in the Bible you have read about Rizpah. This year when I read her story, I found so many impressive facets that I could write a decent Bio on this woman. Here is the passage that captured my attention:
“…So, all seven of them (sons of Saul chosen to be executed) died together at the beginning of the barley harvest. Then Rizpah daughter of Aiah, the mother of two of the men, spread burlap on a rock and stayed there the entire harvest season. She prevented the scavenger birds from tearing at their bodies during the day and stopped wild animals from eating them at night.”
(II Samuel 21:9,10)
I have read this story many times and have always been impressed with the depth of this mother’s love for her grown sons. I have always thought, ‘there is no limit to a mother’s love.’ As I considered her courage to prevent scavenger birds from tearing at her sons’ flesh, I could somewhat imagine her chasing birds away with one’s screams and shawl. But then I read about her NIGHTIME heroism of keeping animals away, not sure that my mom card includes NIGHTIME heroism!!! As a mom, I was always ready to chase the boogie man away from under my daughter’s bed but LIVE ANIMALS in the dark—NOT SO MUCH!
If you are not impressed, consider the reality that King David heard about her courage and tenacity (II Sam. 21:11-13) and went and retrieved the bones of Saul and Jonathan along with the other 7 and they had a proper burial in their Grandfather Kish’s tomb.
I decided to look a little closer at Rizpah and then the story became GOLDEN in impact for my soul. When I looked up the Hebrew definition of Rizpah, I discovered her name means: tessellated pavement. Now what in the world does ‘tessellated pavement” mean? So glad you asked. Tessellated pavement is the breaking into many pieces of marble—usually white and rose colored. Then the pieces are carefully arranged in beautiful mosaics. Immediately I thought of Rizpah being broken into pieces as her sons were chosen to be executed to pay for their father’s sin (Saul—II Sam.21:1-7). As the many broken pieces laid unassembled in her heart, she fought off the attacks on her dead sons, then the King heard of her heroics and honored this awesome mom. The proper burial of her sons was the re-assembling of the broken pieces of her heart into a beautiful mosaic. Another example of God bringing something beautiful out of something broken, the Ephraim Way (Gen. 41:52, Rom. 8:28). Rizpah moved in courage though her heart was broken, because she knew God is Enough even for the broken hearted.
“The greatest lesson a soul must learn is that God, and God alone, is enough for all its needs. This is the lesson that all God’s dealings with us are meant to teach, and this is the crowing discovery of our entire Christian life. God is Enough.” (H.W. Smith)
MINISTRY LETTERS:
Thank you so much for the book, Mentoring Mom, it always amazes me how there are so many people who pull on you for your time and yet you make each of us feel so special. You have impacted my life and walk with Christ more than you’ll ever know. Through the years, your teachings, books and tapes (that’s how long), I have reflected on at various times. (Kenda)
Years Later
Many years ago (3 decades) Ken and I and two close friends(Bob and Susan) discussed a dream of ministering to others by finding a place to buy in the mountains where we would host thirsty souls. I think the ministry of the “L’Abri” community in Switzerland led by Francis and Edith Schaeffer was the original inspiration. Although life often interrupts dreams, this year Ken and I have the privilege of “extended use” of the Kendall home in NC. We hope to fill our schedule with many visitors that we will cheer on spiritually—a little “L’Abri” moment.
Love from Two Fans of Momma Rizpah,
Ken and Jackie Kendall