Rizpah

Introduction:

Rizpah (Riz-puh) was a concubine of King Saul who had bore Saul two sons. She is, in one sense, a very insignificant character. As a concubine, she had very little status nor influential power. Concubines were considered as “secondary wives,” they were inferior to the “primary wives.” In reality, a concubine was nothing more than a slave. Whether purchased (cf. Ex. 21:7-11; Lev. 25:44-46) or won in battle (cf. Num. 31:18) a concubine was entitled to some legal protection (cf. Deut. 21:10-14), but was her husbands property. Rizpah, though insignificant in status, proved to be the focus of two defining events in the life of God’s people. It is from her story I hope we can learn some valuable lessons!

Historical Background:

After Saul’s death, the commander of his Army (Abner) had placed Saul’s son Ish-bosheth on the throne over Israel (cf. 2 Sam. 2:8-10). The tribe of Judah, on the other hand, anointed David as their king (cf. 2 Sam. 2:7). Abner was able to keep the ten northern tribes (Israel) loyal to Ish-bosheth for a while, yet severe losses in battle at the hand of David’s army weakened the house of Saul (cf. 2 Sam. 2:17; 32; 3:1). A defining turn of events surround a rumor that Abner had had relations with Rizpah. This is the first, of the two contributions made by Rizpah that were significant in the life of God’s people.

1st Defining Event - The House of Saul, Destroyed by a Rumor!

Text: (2 Sam. 3:7-12)

Vs. 7 - Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”

There is no indication elsewhere in the text to support this allegation; hence, it must be treated as a rumor. Likewise, Abner takes offense to it, thus we must conclude his denial of such an act.

Ish-bosheth was naturally upset, but more so due to political ramifications, rather than any specific concern for the concubine or his father. Why? If this allegation were true, the act might suggest Abner intended to take the throne of Israel for himself. After all, we learn from vs. 6 that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.

Vs. 8 - Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth ...

Abner was deeply offended by this accusation. After all, it had been his influence that had kept the northern tribes loyal to Ish-bosheth. This allegation challenged Abner’s honor! If an ancient man lost his honor, he lost everything.

Vs. 12 - … my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.

With his honor impugned, Abner establishes communications with David, setting the wheels in motion to transfer the kingdom to him. Hence, a mere rumor about an insignificant concubine, named Rizpah, led to the uniting of God’s people under David.

Lesson for Today - Rumors Can and Do Destroy!

What is a rumor? Webster defines a rumor as general talk not based on definite knowledge; mere gossip; hearsay. What does the Bible say regarding gossip? "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor… do not give the devil an opportunity… Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph. 4: 25, 27, 29). Notice the list of folks who will not inherit the kingdom of God: "… thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers …" (1 Cor. 6:10). A reviler is simply an abusive gossip or slander!

One of the biggest threats to confidence in our lives is rumors! Consider the following examples:

* A secure office worker, confident in their job and the company - a rumor of layoff produces uncertainty, insecurity, and anxiety. A rumor of this nature can destroy morale and productivity in the workplace.

* A married couple, both secure and trusting in one another - the wife hears a rumor about her husband spending a lot of time with a female co-worker. Such a rumor can cause distrust, skepticism and fear.

* A church member, faithful, happy, united with their brothers and sisters - a rumor regarding a fellow Christian breaks down spiritual confidence, leading to fragmentation, and people aligning with various factions.

Rumors obviously aren’t a new tool used by Satan. We have just witnessed it’s devastating power in the house of Saul. Paul had to deal with a serious rumor in the church of Thessalonica. As recorded in 2 Thess. 2, there was a rumor circulating among the Thessalonians that "the day of the Lord" had already arrived. Rumors hurt, destroy, and are simply non-productive! So, how do we guard against them? I think if we follow a few simply rules, we can all guard against this devise tool of Satan.