2 Samuel 21:10

RIZPAH’S MATERNAL AFFECTION, 2 Samuel 21:10.

This single verse contains a mournful tale, which none can read without emotion.

10. Took sackcloth The sign of mourning.

Spread it for her upon the rock For the purpose of a seat and bed.

Until water dropped Until rain came and ended the three years’ famine, which had probably been caused by drought; but how long she had to wait upon the rock beside the exposed bodies of her sons before the rain came is not quite clear.

Josephus says that it came soon after the execution, and Harmer thinks it was a late spring rain, which is sometimes known to fall as late as June in seasons when the usual rains of spring have failed. But the statement, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped, most naturally means that she kept up her sad and woful watching during all the summer season, from April until the early autumnal rains began.

Neither the birds… nor the beasts To be devoured by birds or beasts of prey was the foulest ignominy that could visit the dead. Compare 1 Samuel 17:44.