A man of sorrows

Recently, we had a sermon at church on Psalm 63, and we read 2 Sam. 15 for background. As we were reading it, a couple of the geographical references stuck out to my perception. (Normally, the geography passes me by.) Here are some excerpts from the passage:

And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” … And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.

But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. (2 Sam. 15:13–14, 23, 30; ESV)

A king of Israel leaves Jerusalem, crosses the valley of the Kidron, and ascends the Mount of Olives weeping. He flees his enemies, lest he and the people be overtaken.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. (John 18:1)

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. (Lk. 22:39)

He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” (Matt. 26:38)

Interesting, isn't it? The great king of Israel, 'great David's greater Son', leaves Jerusalem, crosses the valley of the Kidron, and ascends the Mount of Olives to weep. But this one is not fleeing his enemies, for he and his disciples are overtaken in this very garden. There is yet another difference, the most important of them all. Whereas David's foe was killed hanging from a tree, Jesus hung on a tree for his foes: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That's the story of Good Friday.

Music

Great High Priest, we see Thee stooping,
With our names upon Thy breast,
In the garden groaning, drooping,
To the ground with horrors pressed.
Holy angels stand confounded,
To behold their Maker thus,
And can we remain unmoved,
When we know ’twas all for us?

(src)