FRIDAY August 2, 2019
The Man who Snitched
Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who was set over the servants of Saul, and said, “I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he inquired of the Lord for him, gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”
1 Samuel 22:9-10
Doeg the Edomite readily betrayed David. He snitched to Saul where he had seen David, who he was with, and what was given to him––provisions and the sword of Goliath. Doeg made it seem like Ahimelech the priest assisted David in his escape. Doeg could have said nothing to Saul but perhaps in betraying David, Doeg thought he would gain favor and position from King Saul.
Doeg’s character reminds us of Judas who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This would not be the only time in the life of David that someone would betray him. David wrote about the pain of betrayal. Later, an advisor named Ahithopel deserted him for his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12). This is how David felt:
For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng (Psalm 55:12-14).
Job during an immense trial felt the sting of betrayal from those closest to him: He has removed my brothers far from me, and my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My relatives have failed, and my close friends have forgotten me (Job 19:13-14).
It is sad when people turn on you and choose to betray you, but the best thing to do is to forgive them and pray for them.
Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If what I am about abut to say does not pass those tests, I will keep my mouth shut.
~Alan Redpath~
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