“When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23 NLT).

THE FIRST JUDAS

The story of David’s betrayal by Ahithophel foreshadows that of Jesus by Judas. David wept on the Mount of Olives as he left Jerusalem, as Jesus did on the night of his betrayal. David was betrayed by a trusted advisor, who later hung himself. Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples, who also hung himself.
 
Yet, God protected David from betrayal 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.