The Messiah in Hiding (1 Sam. 21-22)

Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

Tonight is all about the Messiah in hiding. The book of Samuel makes frequent reference to "the LORD's anointed" [Ha Meshiach Yahweh]. David often uses it to refer to Saul (as we'll see next time), but it has an unmistakable connection to David as well, because David is also the LORD's anointed. He is the Messiah.Once you have seen this, it is easy to see parallels to Jesus as he teaches and makes disciples in Galilee – hiding in the wilderness, gathering followers, as he awaits God's timing ("My hour has not yet come...")Jesus recapitulates the history of Israel – and since Israel has failed, and God has anointed David to be the king who succeeds where Israel fails, it is not surprising to see David himself recapitulating the history of Israel. David must wander in the wilderness (as Israel had done, and as Jesus would do), and wait for the LORD's appointed time. The new feature is the feature of betrayal. This wasn't as much of an issue for Israel in the wilderness, because their treason arose from within.But David is not only supposed to succeed where Israel failed, he is to lead Israel back into the right way – and not surprisingly, not all Israel will be entirely eager to follow!The LORD's anointed – the Messiah – has no place to lay his head, and worse, he will be betrayed even by those whom he has delivered from their enemies!