Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 21:10. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about a woman’s desperate plea for help after a terrible event. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Rizpah, a woman, was involved in a violent and shameful act – she stole a man's possessions and then committed murder. This act led to a massive, devastating flood that destroyed everything. She needed to be covered with something to protect herself from the rain and the shame. Here’s what the verse describes: “And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth…” : This refers to a large piece of cloth (sackcloth) that was used as a makeshift covering for Rizpah. “…and spread it for her upon the rock…” : She laid this cloth out on a rocky surface – essentially, a place of refuge and protection. “From the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven…” : This describes a long period of intense rain and flooding. It’s not just a little drizzle; it's a torrential downpour that lasted for days. “…and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.” : This is the most striking part. The flood was so severe that even birds and animals were completely unable to sleep or forage in the area. It’s like a complete, unbroken darkness. What it's saying – A Message of Hope & Redemption: The verse isn’t just about sadness; it’s about redemption . It’s a message that God is working through this tragedy. God’s Protection: Even though Rizpah was deeply wronged, God protected her from the storm. A Chance for Renewal: The flood created an opportunity for something new to happen. It was a chance for a fresh start, for the land to heal, and for God to show His mercy. Overall Meaning: The verse is a testament to God’s unwavering love and protection, even in the midst of immense suffering. It highlights that while tragedy can be devastating, it doesn't diminish God’s care for those who are wronged. Does this make sense? Do you want me to explain any part of it in more detail or perhaps connect it to a specific biblical theme? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of the sackcloth. The idea of "redemption" within the context of this story.