Today, my name is Rizpah!

A Mother’s Intercession and the Promise of God

The Story of Rizpah

There is a story in Scripture about a woman named Rizpah. She was a concubine of King Saul, and her two sons were handed over by King David to be executed as payment for a broken covenant Saul had made with the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1–9). Her sons were two among seven of Saul’s descendants who were put to death.

While there was nothing Rizpah could do to stop their execution, her love and devotion as a mother compelled her to stay with their bodies for weeks afterward. She guarded them day and night, driving away birds of prey and wild animals so that their remains would not be desecrated (2 Samuel 21:10).

As a mother myself, I can easily understand this kind of love and devotion. Many people might read this account as just another historical detail tucked into the Old Testament and move on. But if you read a little further, you discover that King David heard of Rizpah’s faithfulness. Deeply moved, he arranged for an honorable burial and a proper resting place for the bones of her sons—something that likely would never have happened had she not stood vigil over them (2 Samuel 21:11–14).

An Unknown Woman, A Living Promise

God showed me that this seemingly obscure woman’s story carried a promise for me—another woman unknown by the world’s standards. Scripture reminds us:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him.”
(Hebrews 6:10)

If God honored the devotion and intercession of a mother under the old covenant, how much more would He honor mine as a righteous daughter living under the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6)?

A Mother’s Fear and God’s Faithfulness

My daughter has married into Islam. My son-in-law is Muslim, and he is the most delightful young man—one I love dearly. I love him not only because God showed me that loving him would be a way for him to see Jesus in me, but also because he is kind, generous, and deeply devoted to my daughter. Scripture reminds us:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
(John 13:35)

When my daughter first entered this relationship, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Fear took hold of me, and I worried that God might turn His face from her. Yet two years earlier, she had publicly given her life to Jesus and was baptized (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38).

In that season, my response was rooted in fear rather than truth.

A Deeper Revelation of God’s Love

Over time though, God has given me a deeper understanding of His Word and His steadfast love. He showed me clearly that He will never turn His face from her, for His Word declares:

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5)

And again:

“The Lord bless you and KEEP you; the Lord make his face shine on you.”
(Numbers 6:24–26)

Standing Watch Like Rizpah

As the days grow darker and the urgency of the times increases (Matthew 24:12), my daily prayer has become that my Muslim son-in-law will come into the Kingdom of God. Scripture tells us that God:

“is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9)

I pray for them faithfully, covering them in prayer—asking for protection, provision, and angelic guard (Psalm 91:11). I ask Jesus to reveal Himself to my son-in-law, to visit him in dreams and visions (Acts 2:17), and to send messengers into his life who will speak truth in love (Romans 10:14–15).

God showed me that I am like Rizpah—standing watch, fighting off the enemy on behalf of my children. Scripture assures us:

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
(James 5:16)

And just as God honored Rizpah’s devotion and brought her sons home to rest, I believe He will honor my prayers and bring my children home into the Kingdom of God.

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
(Joshua 24:15)

A Word to Fellow Moms

If you are a mother standing watch in prayer for your children, know this: your prayers matter. Even when the world doesn’t see your struggles, God sees your faithfulness. Like Rizpah, your devotion, persistence, and love can move Heaven itself. Keep standing, keep praying, and keep trusting Him.

Your prayers are not in vain. God honors the faith of a mother who intercedes with love, patience, and hope. He can work miracles in ways you may never imagine, and He can bring your children closer to Him, just as He promises in His Word.

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Be encouraged today: your love, your vigilance, and your prayers are shaping the destiny of your children. Keep standing in faith—God is with you, and He is listening.