Betrayal came from within for both David and Jesus. Absalom, the favored son of David, plotted against his father, manipulating the hearts of Israel to seize the throne. "Absalom did this to all Israel that came for judgment to the king, and he stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6). He deceitfully presented himself as a just and concerned leader, all the while harboring a hidden ambition to supplant his father. Similarly, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, feigned loyalty to Christ but secretly conspired with the high priests to deliver Him into their hands. "And he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests, and the magistrates, and discoursed with them how he might betray him to them" (Luke 22:3-4).

Both betrayals were executed with an outward show of respect. Absalom pretended to seek David’s blessing before launching his rebellion. "I pray thee let me go, and pay my vow which I have vowed to the Lord in Hebron" (2 Samuel 15:7), just as Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss in Gethsemane. "And he that betrayed him, gave them a sign, saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he, lay hold on him" (Matthew 26:48). This outward display of false loyalty underscores the depth of the treachery—one that wounds more deeply because it comes from those most trusted.

Just as the chief priests and elders of Jesus’ time sought to rid themselves of Christ, so too did the high priests under David’s reign side with Absalom. Ahithophel, once a trusted advisor to David, abandoned him in favor of Absalom’s coup.

Just as the chief priests and elders of Jesus’ time sought to rid themselves of Christ, so too did the high priests under David’s reign side with Absalom. Ahithophel, once a trusted advisor to David, abandoned him in favor of Absalom’s coup. "And Absalom sent for Achitophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city Gilo. And when he was come, he consulted with him" (2 Samuel 15:12). His betrayal was akin to that of Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, who sought to rid themselves of Jesus, perceiving Him as a threat to their authority. Ahithophel’s treachery was not merely political; it was deeply personal, as he had once stood close to David, much like Judas had walked with Jesus.

Ahithophel, like Judas, ultimately met a tragic end. After his counsel was rejected by Absalom, he took his own life. "But Achitophel seeing that his counsel was not followed, saddled his ass, and arose, and went home to his house and to his city: and putting his house in order, hanged himself, and was buried in the sepulcher of his father" (2 Samuel 17:23). Similarly, Judas, after realizing the gravity of his sin, also hanged himself. "And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed and went and hanged himself with a halter" (Matthew 27:5). Both men, despite their wisdom, were ensnared by their own ambition and despair.

David flees Absalom

Ahithophel’s betrayal, like Judas’, was rooted in something deeper than mere political ambition. Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3 and 23:34), and David’s sin with her may have embittered him, leading him to side with Absalom. Just as Judas turned away from Jesus when he refused to believe in the Eucharist—"This saying is hard, and who can hear it?" (John 6:61)—Ahithophel may have turned against David because of personal resentment. Both men, priests in their own right, used their positions to betray the anointed king. Judas, after the Last Supper, had participated in the first Eucharistic sacrifice and was thus a priest of the New Covenant, while Ahithophel, as David’s chief counselor, held a role akin to a priestly advisor in the royal court.

Despite their differences in action, both moments emphasize trust in God’s plan. David accepted his exile with humility, just as Jesus accepted His Passion. In both cases, the path of suffering led to ultimate restoration—David’s eventual return to Jerusalem, and Christ’s resurrection and glorification.

The betrayal of David went beyond politics and military strategy. Absalom, in his attempt to establish himself as king, publicly slept with David’s concubines who had been left behind to keep the house. "Go in to thy father's concubines, whom he hath left to keep the house: that when all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred by thy father, thy hands may be strengthened" (2 Samuel 16:21). This advice was given by Ahithophel, reinforcing his treachery. This act was not only one of grave immorality but a declaration of kingship, for in ancient times, taking possession of the king’s wives was a sign that the usurper had assumed the throne. This was not unlike the chief priests and rulers declaring, "We have no king but Caesar" (John 19:15), renouncing the true King in favor of worldly authority.

As David fled from Jerusalem, he was subjected to scorn and humiliation. Shimei, from the house of Saul, cursed him openly, casting stones and spitting upon him as he passed. David, rather than retaliate, accepted the abuse, saying, "Let him curse, because the Lord hath bid him curse David" (2 Samuel 16:10). This moment echoes the trial of Jesus, who was spat upon, struck, and ridiculed by the Sanhedrin and Roman soldiers. "And they did spit upon him, and they took the reed, and struck his head" (Matthew 27:30). The image of the suffering king, reviled by his own people, foreshadows the suffering Christ, the true King of Israel, who said in His final agony, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

David’s suffering, though great, was temporary. He endured it with patience and trust in God’s will. Likewise, Christ bore His Passion with divine meekness, knowing that His suffering would bring redemption. The spitting and blows inflicted upon both figures symbolize the rejection of God’s chosen one by the very people He came to serve.

The parallels between David’s betrayal and Jesus’ Passion are deep. Both were abandoned by those closest to them, betrayed with false signs of loyalty, and subjected to humiliation. Yet, both trusted in God’s providence, and through suffering, their ultimate victory was secured.

David’s departure from Jerusalem is one of the most heart-wrenching moments of his reign. He crossed the Jordan River into exile, choosing safety over confrontation (2 Samuel 17:22). Jesus, on the other hand, also crossed a river—the Kidron Valley—but instead of continuing further into the wilderness for safety, He stopped at the Garden of Gethsemane and awaited His enemies. "Jesus went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where there was a garden, into which he entered with his disciples" (John 18:1). Unlike David, who fled, Jesus stood His ground, facing His betrayer and those who sought His life, fully embracing His destiny. David crossed the Jordan River into exile, leaving behind his throne and his city (2 Samuel 17:22). In contrast, Jesus did not flee when faced with betrayal. Instead of withdrawing, He confronted His captors in Gethsemane, willingly submitting to the will of the Father. "Whom seek ye? They answered him: Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith to them: I am he" (John 18:4-5). The contrast between David’s flight and Jesus’ stand highlights their different roles in salvation history—David, a prefiguration of the suffering servant, and Jesus, the fulfillment of that prophecy.

Despite their differences in action, both moments emphasize trust in God’s plan. David accepted his exile with humility, just as Jesus accepted His Passion. In both cases, the path of suffering led to ultimate restoration—David’s eventual return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:15), and Christ’s resurrection and glorification.

The parallels between David’s betrayal and Jesus’ Passion are deep. Both were abandoned by those closest to them, betrayed with false signs of loyalty, and subjected to humiliation. Yet, both trusted in God’s providence, and through suffering, their ultimate victory was secured. David’s kingship was restored, and Christ’s kingdom reigns forever. Through their trials, we learn that suffering is not in vain—it is the road to glory, for those who place their trust in God.

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