Provisions in the Wilderness
David’s life recapitulates and predicts the history of Israel. Fleeing from Saul, he goes into exile westward among the Philistines, a repeat of the Egyptian exile. He comes out of Philistia to conquer the the land and take the throne.
Later, his son Absalom rebels and drives David out of the land again, this time to the east, toward Babylon. His “Egyptian” exile is matched by a preview of the Babylonian exile.
When David flees from his son, Gentiles receive him and show hospitality. Along with Machir of L0-debar and Barzillai the Gileadite, Shobi of Rabbah, an Ammonite city that David had conquered (2 Samuel 12:26-31) provides beds, basins and plates, and food.
Like Moses and Israel, David receives provisions in the wilderness, not bread from heaven but bread from the nations. As a preview of the Babylonian exile, the exile of David reassures Israel that the Lord will prepare a place for them in Babylon, received into eternal dwellings.
David is, of course, a type of Jesus, who is also threatened by his own “family” and driven out among the Gentiles, who receive Him (cf. Acts 28).
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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