THE FIRST JUDAS
The story of David’s betrayal by Ahithophel foreshadows that of Jesus by Judas. For just as David was betrayed by a trusted member of his inner court, who later hung himself; so was Jesus betrayed by one of his own disciples, who later hung himself. Along with Judas Iscariot (Matt. 27:5), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and King Saul (1 Sam. 31:5); Ahithophel is one of only four suicides mentioned in the Bible.
When David heard of Ahithophel’s betrayal and his son Absalom’s gathering of troops, he fled the city of Jerusalem. Leaving by the Eastern gate, David wept as he climbed the Mount of Olives to flee Jerusalem. And on the night of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus led his disciples out the same Jerusalem gate and wept in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, just as David had done.
Yet, God protected David from death and restored him to the throne. But “His own Son He did not spare, but delivered Him up for us all” (Rom. 8:32).
The Old Testament prepares us for the Jesus story, which is the gospel story. Yet, only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will believe.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the whole of Scripture which points to Him on every page. May we also point to Jesus with every effort, word and deed of our lives. Give us grace for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.