Betrayal (1 Samuel 23:5)

Many of us have felt the sting of betrayal. And the sting is worsened is when it is by the hands of someone you helped. The Bible instructs me in every situation of life that I may encounter and the painful topic of betrayal is prominently discussed. In the following Bible passage, I am encouraged that David did not grouse about his betrayal. Instead, he took matters to God.

And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:5 (NKJV)

In this passage, David rescued the livestock of the people of Keilah after the Philistines had plundered them. Would they be grateful for David’s actions? Indeed, so grateful that they decide to deliver David into the hands of Saul, who is seeking to kill him! It is only by God speaking directly to David and warning him of the imminent betrayal, that David manages to escape.

Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?”

And the Lord said, “They will deliver you.”

1 Samuel 23:12 (NKJV)

If I were in the place of David, I would be fuming about the ungratefulness of Keilah. How dare they betray me after I helped them! But instead of bitterness, David turned to God in prayer and God answered him and guided him out of a painful situation.

I need to continue to seek God’s guidance during difficult times of betrayal. It is not easy and my natural inclination is to wallow in self pity. But God does not dwell on the raw emotions I am feeling or whether I perceive a situation is difficult. When hurt and confusion arise, God directs me back to my relationship with Him. He wants me to learn from the situation and present it to Him in prayer. He wants me to see that He is sovereign above all situations, all hurts, and all betrayals.

God’ Son, Jesus Christ, was betrayed by His own people and one of His disciples. Jesus did not complain about the situation but submerged Himself into the depths of His relationship with God, the Father. He obeyed Him and God delivered Him!

May God bless all who are experiencing the pain of betrayal and grant His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.