“When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23 ESV).
The story of David’s betrayal by Ahithophel foreshadows that of Jesus by Judas. Once a trusted counselor of King David, Ahithophel defected to David’s rebellious son Absalom. But when his advice was ignored in favor of Hushai’s, he saw the tide turning and chose to end his life. His betrayal of David foreshadows Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. Both men were close companions. Both betrayed someone they once served. Both ended their lives by hanging.
This pattern of betrayal is not coincidental. When David fled Jerusalem, he crossed the Kidron Valley and climbed the Mount of Olives weeping. On the night of His betrayal, Jesus also crossed the Kidron, praying in anguish on the Mount of Olives in Gethsemane. The parallels remind us that David’s story was always meant to point beyond itself—to Jesus, the true King.
Yet where David was spared and restored, Jesus was condemned and crucified. God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all (See Rom. 8:32). The Old Testament whispers the gospel on every page, preparing us to see the fulfillment in Christ. But only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will understand.
We must not miss the message. Scripture, from beginning to end, centers on Jesus. The patterns, promises, and prophecies all find their fulfillment in Him. As we read and reflect, we are invited to recognize the greater story unfolding—God’s plan of redemption through His Son. Let us be people who read with eyes open and hearts stirred, pointing others to Jesus in our words, our work, and our worship.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the whole of Scripture, which reveals Him so clearly. Give us hearts that recognize Your hand in every chapter and lives that reflect the glory of Your Son. May we point to Jesus in all we do today. Give us grace to follow faithfully. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.