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Commentary on "Rizpah: The Influence of Faithfulness"
Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, November 20, 2010 - Introduction
Overview
The Lesson this week explains how Rizpah, the concubine of the deceased King Saul, gave us an example of faithfulness and became a “kingmaker” and “nation-builder.” She displayed strong character when she did not give in to her tragic circumstances, and remained faithful to her sons. The lesson we can draw from Rizpah’s example is that, “faithfulness is an unconditional commitment to do what’s right regardless of the cost.”
Observations
This story in II Samuel does provide powerful examples of what faithfulness looks like, and Rizpah’s determination is only one of them. As we examine the chapter closely, we will see the faithfulness of King David as he hears the words of the prophet and answers the cries of a persecuted minority, the Gibeonites. We will see how the Gibeonites had been faithful servants to Israel and the temple for 400 years, and how God uses them to preserve the throne of David.
Yet none of these examples provide the key to understanding Israel’s blessings and survival. There is only One who is faithful in this story, the God of Israel who always keeps His covenants and promises. The Lesson is right, faithfulness is truly an unconditional commitment, and God demonstrates repeatedly that without His absolute commitment, Israel would have no future. His covenant with Abraham was not conditional, as we find in the book of Galatians; that covenant still stands. Abraham’s God is not a marginal figure who stands back, waiting to see if Israel will persevere. Frequently in this story, He takes radical actions, some of them acts of violence and retribution that often disturb our sense of justice. His faithfulness is guaranteed, but not always polite or gentle.
Rizpah, along with all the other characters in II Samuel 21, are God’s means to bring about His master plan to establish David’s throne forever, and bring his Seed to save Israel and the whole world.
Summary
- The faithfulness of this story’s human characters is only a faint reflection of the faithfulness of God.
- Israel’s God does not passively wait for His people to be faithful by carrying out His designs. He guarantees His own covenants.
- The God of Abraham continually acts in this story and in history, for the triumph of Abraham’s Seed and the throne of David.
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