In the context of 1 Samuel there are two details that stand out from this story. The first is the contrast between the decisions of Saul and David, or rather the decision making process that they follow. For Saul, his decisions are made on the basis of sight and human wisdom. He hears that David is in a fortified town, he thinks he has him trapped. Likewise when it comes to the report of the Ziphites, with all the details he needs for a surprise attack, capture seems certain. Human sight, human wisdom – this is how we’ve come to know him. For David, things are different. His decisions are guided by the LORD. Accompanied by Abiathar, he regularly consults the ephod. He goes where the LORD leads him, even into battle when it is to his disadvantage. He walks by faith, he acts like the true King of Israel. 

A second detail that’s important is the fact that both Keilah and Ziph betray David. These were men from David’s own tribe, men from Judah. A significant detail because it confirms that his rise to power was not because of human support. It wasn’t the case that his tribe somehow dominated the others. Judah didn’t come and impose their king on all of Israel. No, David was the LORD’s choice. The LORD working in history to protect and advance his king.

When it comes to modelling and teaching us about the true Christ, the same two details are also relevant. Firstly, concerning guidance; throughout his life on earth, we know that our Lord Jesus Christ was guided by his Father through the Scriptures. As a young boy in the temple, there he was learning and debating with the teachers (cf. Luke 2). Asking questions, reflecting on the application of Biblical principles – he increased in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and man. The Spirit working through the Word, behind the scenes, helping the Christ to understand his task and mission. Then, when his public ministry began after his baptism, it seems as if the Spirit led him in a more direct manner. Into the wilderness for forty days. Place to place around Israel. We’re not told about specific promptings or ephod guidance in the decisions he made, but we know that he prayed regularly. He spoke to his Father. And he made decisions in keeping with the work that he was called to do. The work of proclaiming the kingdom. The work of saving and providing for sinners. Putting himself in harms way like David, he didn’t avoid the suffering that was ordained for him. No, as the only atoning sacrifice, he gave his life to redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation. Obedience unto death for the sake of others, the true King was led by the LORD.

In terms of betrayal, like David, there were many moments in Jesus’ life where men and women abandoned him. At a personal level, we know that some of his brothers refused to believe in him and the people of his home-town Nazareth likewise sent him on his way (cf. Luke 4). Then there were the men and women of the Gerasenes (Mark 5:1-20). The most direct and famous example of course is Judas. One of the twelve. A friend who stuck with him through several hardships. A friend who shared his bread, sat at his table only to hand him over for some pieces of silver. And then when he did that, the rest of his friends also left him. Scattering into the wind, ashamed and disloyal (cf. Mark 14). Still, he paid the penalty for their sins. For the sins of his friends who left him, for the sins of his enemies who crucified him. The sins of all those whom God had predestined for adoption (Ephesians 1:3-14). A stone rejected by men, he became our rock of escape, the cornerstone who secured our future with God in glory (1 Peter 2:1-11).

In the life of David we have a model of what will happen to the Christ. Guided by the LORD, betrayed by his people, strengthened by a word of promise. There are many parallels and pointers to the life of our Saviour.