The introduction to our study of Rizpah focused on her experiences and taught us how to handle unwanted, unfair, and unexpected life changes.

But, more importantly, she demonstrated how to turn great loss into triumph in the most unexpected way (2 Samuel 3:7-8; 21:8,10-14).  While her story is similar to the story of Job, the endings are very different. She shouts to us, “Don’t Stop—Now.”

Rizpah was caught in the drama between King Saul’s youngest son, Ishbosheth, who succeeded his father and King’s Saul’s commander-in-chief of his army, Abner. Abner slept with Rizpah and that was considered as a direct attack on Ishbosheth’s kingship.

Now, we consider the next aspect of the Rizpah’s real-time nightmare. When Ishbosheth confronted Abner, Abner declared that he would gather the ten tribes under Ishbosheth’s rule and transfer the tribes’ loyalty from King Saul’s lineage to King David (2 Samuel 3:9-11).

Ripzah was a poster woman for being powerless, disposable, a pawn, totally subjected to the whims of the men who victimized her. Yes, that was the culture then—but still today there are nations, religions, and homes practicing the doctrine of domination over women.

What could Ripzah do? King Saul was entitled to as many wives and concubines as he wanted.

The Bible does not state that Abner raped her, nor does the Bible say that David raped Bathsheba. But both men were in positions of superior power and control. And again, the outcome of Ripzah’s story was very different from Bathsheba’s story.

A unchanging principle engraved on our minds from this phase of Ripzah’s life is that bad things happen to good people. Life is not fair, and justice often is neither swift nor blind.

So we must understand three fundamental Bible teachings: first, Satan and sin are real;  second, hope and faith in God’s absolute victory over Satan and sin is real; and third, losses and successes cannot be accurately scored on the here and now perspective—that is also for real (Revelation 12:7-9, 12; Revelation 20; Revelation 1:1-5; Revelation 22).

When we look at our experiences through this glass, it enables us to experience the peace of God, to not fret over evildoers, and to cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us (John 14:27, Psalm 37; 1 Peter 5:7).

Life is hard and unfair, but Rizpah didn’t quit, not then. I used to tell my late husband I was leaving him, but not today . . . 

Let's hold on for just one more day.

We will continue our discussion in the next issue, but if you want to search for Bible answers now, please email JudithHawkins@GRM2.net.