RESULTS OF TREASON

RESULTS OF TREASON

Last week we learned that despite Ahithophel’s ploy of treason, Absalom and his men chose to take Hushai’s advice. They are now very busy preparing to carry out their plan to pursue King David and kill him. Absalom’s military’s need for extensive preparation gives David time to regroup.

Meanwhile, Ahithophel realizes his influence in this kingdom is over. He knows Absalom will most likely be defeated. The gift of wisdom has not been taken from him. Ahithophel is still able to see into the future. However, now this gift only makes him sad. Ahithophel realizes he will soon face charges of treason from King David. It is only a matter of time.

AHITHOPHEL RETURNS TO GILOH

When Ahithophel realizes his advice is not going to be followed, he saddles his donkey and sets out for his home in Giloh. Giloh is part of the land allotted to Judah when the land of promise was divided among the tribes of Israel.

In all of these facts surrounding Ahithophel’s story, one thing seems to be significant. Ahithophel, a type and shadow of the prophet who consorts with the beast in end-times, betrays King David who is a type and shadow of Yeshua Messiah.

Given those facts, it is relevant to consider the consequences of this part of history. When you think of the descendants of the modern-day people of Judah (descendants of Ahithophel and/or those of the tribe of Judah living in Giloh,) you have to realize they do not yet believe in Yeshua as Messiah. It stands out in my mind that this lack of belief in God’s anointed actually began way back in those days of Ahithophel and David. First the unbelief was about David, then it was about Yeshua Messiah. In both time periods, because their leadership had too much pride to repent and turn, the people suffered.

DENIAL OF GOD’S ANOINTED

In this story we see a parallel of how the descendants of Ahithophel were operating in the same way their descendants of today operate. Both groups were denying Yeshua the truth of God’s anointed. Following Ahithophel’s advice and leadership, the people from Giloh no longer considered David as their anointed king. They followed the lead of Ahithophel. This is just as end-times believers will be pursuaded to follow the false prophet. Ahithophel deliberately lead this group of people astray. 

The misinformation from unbelief in those days has translated through time into more misinformation for the people living today.  However, the loss to this people group descended from Judah today is much greater. In the past, none of this people group were able to realize that God had anointed and appointed David as the true King of Israel. As a parallel, the people of this land today, the descendants of Judah, have not yet believed in Yeshua as Messiah. The same spirit of rebellion and unbelief exists with the same people group through both time periods.

THE END FOR AHITHOPHEL 

Once he arrived back inside his home, Ahithophel put his house in order. After which, he  hung himself. So, he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

CONSEQUENCES OF BETRAYAL AND TREASON

Ahithophel is a prime example of the consequences of betrayal. His sad story shows how foolish men are when they turn to human reason instead of following divine inspiration.

Ahithophel might have gone down in history as one of the wisest men who ever lived, but he betrayed God, the King, and all that were close or important to him. Though he was intelligent and gifted, the truth was not his way. This type of betrayal never wins.  It only brings judgment and eventually death. 

This man called Ahithophel was so vain that he decided to take his own life rather than face up to the fallout of his mistakes in judgment. He never admitted the truth, though he knew it. His lack of truthful communicaitons hurt many people.

PRIDE IS A DEADLY SIN

I always stand amazed at men who make this type of decision. Ahithophel could have repented and turned. Things could have been so different. We all have that opportunity of turning. He did not chose to do so. 

Let us hope and pray that the rest of the modern-day descendants of Judah do not chose to become full of pride like Ahithophel. It is hopeful they will see the shadows and types in the stories of their beloved King David. Maybe because of the humility of David, they will come to know Yeshua Messiah. It is our constant prayer they will see the parallels in these stories and chose to turn to the Gospel of Yeshua Messiah and be saved.

A CLEAR PATH TO SALVATION 

David’s generation loved the Torah. The Torah points us to the covenant love of Messiah. This descendant of David, named Yeshua, provided the path to salvation. All we have to do is repent, believe in Messiah, confess and turn. The door to salvation is open to all. Jew or Gentile, no one is ever turned away from God’s merciful love and grace. Leaving the path of the fate of Ahithophel is all about turning and believing in Messiah. 

SIMILARITIES TO JUDAS ISCARIOT

Before moving on with our story, perhaps we should also note the similarities of Ahithophel’s actions to those of Judas Iscariot. Like Ahithophel and his relationship to David, Judas was well aware of the truth which was being lived out before him by Yeshua. Though he traveled with Jesus and shared many meals with him, Judas came to own the same agony we see in Ahithophel’s hardened heart. He could not accept and believe in the One God had anointed and called.

I speak of a man with more pride than humility, one who could not turn even when presented with a clear demonstration of truth and righteousness on a daily basis. Sometimes it is the one known for being the wisest and most intelligent who cannot see from the eyes of the heart. 

Looking back from modern days, the people of Judah have given us all we need to know in order to obtain salvation.These facts are hidden in the Torah which they so adamantly choose to follow. Yet they cannot accept Yeshua as Messiah. May these meanings from their own words begin to sink down from their heads and into their hearts. Then, unlike Ahithophel, maybe they will learn the truth about overcoming the world and believing in the anointed One, Yeshua Messiah. He is the walking Torah. This is my constant prayer.

VERSE

Zechariah 12:10: “And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced.

PRAYER

Father, how much longer must we wait to see the eyes of all of your people opened wide enough to see Yeshua Messiah? We ask for You to open their eyes so that they may share this truth, love, and understanding from the words they have graciously passed on to us. May the living waters that flow from Messiah cover them and bring new life and salvation. Please fill their hearts with new understanding of your mercy and love. Amen.

SONG

THE LION OF JUDAH CAME FOR ME by Vikings of Christ:  https://youtu.be/PqqP5JqnukM?si=ZGcxqEVvuhn7EDzU