King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:10 in the King James Version says “And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 21:10 · KJV

Context

8

But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: Michal: or, Michal's sister brought: Heb. bare to Adriel

9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.

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.

11

And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

12

And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead , which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of justice, covenant obligations?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַתִּקַּ֣ח1 of 29

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

רִצְפָּה֩2 of 29

“And Rizpah”

H7532

ritspah, an israelitess

בַת3 of 29

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַיָּ֨ה4 of 29

“of Aiah”

H345

ajah, the name of two israelites

אֶת5 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשַּׂ֜ק6 of 29

“sackcloth”

H8242

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

וַתַּטֵּ֨הוּ7 of 29

“and spread”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

לָ֤הּ8 of 29
H0
אֶל9 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַצּוּר֙10 of 29

“it for her upon the rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

מִתְּחִלַּ֣ת11 of 29

“from the beginning”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

קָצִ֔יר12 of 29

“of harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

עַ֛ד13 of 29
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

נִתַּךְ14 of 29

“dropped”

H5413

to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify

מַ֥יִם15 of 29

“until water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם16 of 29
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִן17 of 29
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם18 of 29

“of the air”

H8064

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

וְלֹֽא19 of 29
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָתְנָה֩20 of 29

“and suffered”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ע֨וֹף21 of 29

“neither the birds”

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם22 of 29

“of the air”

H8064

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

לָנ֤וּחַ23 of 29

“to rest”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

עֲלֵיהֶם֙24 of 29
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יוֹמָ֔ם25 of 29

“on them by day”

H3119

daily

וְאֶת26 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חַיַּ֥ת27 of 29

“nor the beasts”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה28 of 29

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

לָֽיְלָה׃29 of 29

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 21:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 21:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 21:23Joel 2:231 Kings 21:27Zechariah 10:12 Samuel 3:7Ezekiel 39:4

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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