1 Samuel 26:20

KJV

Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, let not my blood {H1818} fall {H5307} to the earth {H776} before the face {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}: for the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} is come out {H3318} to seek {H1245} a {H259} flea {H6550}, as when one doth hunt {H7291} a partridge {H7124} in the mountains {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now don't let my blood fall on the ground away from the presence of ADONAI. The king of Isra'el has gone out in search of a single flea, as if he were hunting partridge in the mountains!"

Berean Standard Bible

So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of Jehovah: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 26:20, David, once again having spared King Saul's life, appeals to the king from a distance, pleading for an end to the unjust persecution. This poignant declaration encapsulates David's unwavering integrity, his reliance on divine justice, and his profound humility, even as he faces relentless and absurd pursuit from the reigning monarch. It highlights the stark contrast between Saul's irrational obsession and David's steadfast character, trusting God to be the ultimate arbiter of his innocence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the latter part of 1 Samuel, specifically within the second account of David sparing Saul's life (compare with [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life in the Cave")). Having been betrayed by the Ziphites and pursued by Saul's 3,000 chosen men, David, accompanied by Abishai, infiltrates Saul's camp under the cover of night. Instead of seizing the opportunity to kill Saul, David merely takes Saul's spear and water jug from beside his head, demonstrating his power to act but choosing restraint out of reverence for [the LORD's anointed](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Respect for Saul as God's Anointed"). Following this act, David withdraws to a distant hill and calls out to Abner, Saul's commander, and then to Saul himself, exposing their negligence and appealing directly to Saul's conscience. This verse, therefore, serves as the emotional and rhetorical climax of David's plea, articulating the profound injustice of Saul's relentless vendetta.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king was considered "the LORD's anointed" (Hebrew: *mashiach*), a sacred office established by divine decree. To harm the king, even a wicked one, was to transgress against God's chosen representative. David's repeated refusal to lay a hand on Saul, despite ample opportunity and Saul's clear intent to kill him, underscores his deep respect for this divine institution and his profound faith in God's timing for his own ascension to the throne. The concept of "blood falling to the earth" carries significant weight, evoking the idea of innocent blood shed without retribution, which was believed to cry out for justice from the ground (as seen in [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - Abel's Blood Crying Out")). Furthermore, the imagery of hunting a "flea" or "partridge" speaks to the cultural understanding of humble, elusive, and insignificant targets, emphasizing the dishonor and futility of a king's pursuit of such a prey.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights **David's unwavering integrity and righteousness** in the face of profound injustice, contrasting sharply with Saul's escalating paranoia and spiritual decline. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty and protection**, as David, despite being hunted like an animal, remains under God's watchful eye, his life miraculously preserved. Thirdly, the imagery of the "flea" and "partridge" emphasizes **Saul's futile and undignified obsession**, portraying his royal power as misdirected and his efforts as ultimately fruitless against one whom God protects. Finally, David's appeal to the "face of the LORD" reinforces the theme of **divine justice**, trusting that God sees his plight and will ultimately vindicate the innocent, bringing an end to Saul's irrational pursuit and establishing David as the rightful king, as promised in [1 Samuel 16](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - The Anointing of David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flea (Hebrew, _par'osh'_):** This term (פַּרְעֹשׁ) refers to a tiny, insignificant, and bothersome insect. David's self-identification as a "flea" is a profound expression of humility and an ironic rhetorical device. It underscores the absurdity of the king of Israel expending vast resources and royal dignity to hunt such a trivial target. It also subtly implies that David is difficult to catch and, like a flea, will continue to evade Saul's grasp.
* **Partridge (Hebrew, _qore'_):** The word (קוֹרֵא) refers to a specific type of game bird, likely the Chukar partridge, known for its elusiveness and habit of fleeing into rugged, mountainous terrain when pursued. Hunters would often "flush out" partridges, but they were notoriously difficult to capture, often escaping into crevices or flying away. This simile vividly portrays Saul's relentless but ultimately fruitless pursuit of David, emphasizing the dishonorable and wasteful nature of his efforts against a divinely protected individual.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dam'_):** The term (דָּם) here signifies life itself, and its "falling to the earth" refers to violent, unjust death. David's plea, "let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD," is an appeal to God as the supreme judge and witness. It invokes the ancient understanding that innocent blood shed on the ground cries out for justice and divine intervention, as seen in the story of [Cain and Abel](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - Abel's Blood Crying Out from the Ground"). David is asserting his innocence and placing his life under God's direct protection and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD:":** This is David's earnest plea for his life, framed as an appeal to divine justice. "My blood fall to the earth" signifies a violent, unjust death, implying that his life would be taken prematurely and without cause. The phrase "before the face of the LORD" emphasizes that God is the omniscient witness and ultimate judge. David is not merely asking Saul to spare him, but is calling upon God to intervene and prevent such an injustice, trusting in God's righteous judgment and protective power.
* **"for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea,":** This clause provides the immediate justification for David's plea, highlighting the profound irony and absurdity of the situation. The "king of Israel," the most powerful man in the land, divinely appointed to rule and protect his people, has debased himself by relentlessly pursuing David, whom he likens to a "flea"—a creature of utter insignificance and nuisance. This metaphor underscores Saul's irrational paranoia and the disproportionate effort he is expending, portraying his actions as beneath the dignity of his office.
* **"as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.":** This second simile further amplifies the futility and dishonor of Saul's pursuit. Hunting a partridge in the mountains is a difficult, arduous, and often unrewarding task, as these birds are elusive and adept at escaping. By comparing himself to a partridge, David emphasizes his elusiveness and the ultimate fruitlessness of Saul's efforts. It also subtly suggests that Saul's methods are dishonorable, akin to hunting a wild, insignificant creature rather than engaging in a noble pursuit. The imagery of "mountains" evokes the rugged, desolate terrain where David has been forced to hide, further emphasizing his vulnerable but ultimately protected state.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Simile**, employing two distinct comparisons: David as a "flea" and David as a "partridge in the mountains." These similes are not merely descriptive but serve a powerful rhetorical purpose, highlighting the absurdity and injustice of Saul's pursuit. The comparison to a "flea" also functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating David's perceived insignificance to underscore the king's misplaced priorities. There is profound **Irony** in the king of Israel, God's anointed, dedicating his resources to hunting an innocent man who is himself God's chosen successor, reducing a royal pursuit to the level of chasing vermin or elusive game. David's plea itself is an example of **Pathos**, appealing to Saul's conscience and the divine standard of justice through an expression of vulnerability and an assertion of innocence. The phrase "let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD" is a form of **Merism**, where "blood" represents life, and its "falling to the earth" signifies a violent death, invoking a broader concept of divine judgment over the shedding of innocent life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's plea in 1 Samuel 26:20 resonates deeply with the biblical themes of innocent suffering, divine justice, and the sanctity of life. His refusal to retaliate against Saul, despite the profound injustice, mirrors the righteous suffering of many biblical figures who entrusted their vindication to God. David's appeal to the "face of the LORD" underscores the conviction that God is not only a witness to human affairs but also the ultimate arbiter of justice, who sees the hidden motives and protects the righteous. This reliance on God for vindication, rather than resorting to self-help or vengeance, is a hallmark of true faith. The imagery of blood crying out from the earth connects David's plight to a universal biblical principle that the shedding of innocent blood is an affront to God and demands divine reckoning, reinforcing the sacred value of human life.

* [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - Abel's Blood Crying Out from the Ground")
* [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - The LORD Judges the Peoples")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's conduct in 1 Samuel 26:20 offers profound lessons for navigating injustice and persecution in our own lives. When we are unjustly targeted, slandered, or pursued, David's example calls us to resist the urge for self-vindication or retaliation. Instead, we are invited to maintain our integrity, to humble ourselves before God, and to appeal to His ultimate justice. David's willingness to appear insignificant ("a flea") before his persecutor, while simultaneously appealing to the highest authority ("the face of the LORD"), teaches us that true strength lies not in asserting our own rights or power, but in trusting God to be our defender and vindicator. This posture of humility and faith allows God to work on our behalf, ensuring that His purposes, not human malice, will ultimately prevail. We are reminded that God sees our suffering, hears our cries, and will, in His perfect timing, bring about justice and peace for those who trust in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when you feel unjustly treated or persecuted?**
* **In what ways can you emulate David's humility and trust in God's justice, rather than seeking immediate self-vindication?**
* **What does it mean for your "blood to fall to the earth before the face of the LORD" in your own life's struggles?**
* **How does the imagery of being hunted like a "flea" or "partridge" resonate with any feelings of insignificance or futility you may experience in challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why does David compare himself to a "flea" and a "partridge"?**

Answer: David uses these two similes to powerfully convey the absurdity and injustice of Saul's relentless pursuit. Comparing himself to a "flea" (פַּרְעֹשׁ, *par'osh'*) emphasizes his perceived insignificance in the grand scheme of the kingdom, highlighting how beneath a king's dignity it is to expend such energy on a trivial target. It also subtly suggests his elusiveness. The comparison to a "partridge in the mountains" (קוֹרֵא, *qore'*) further underscores the futility and dishonor of Saul's hunt. Partridges are notoriously difficult to catch in rugged terrain, symbolizing Saul's wasted efforts and David's continued evasion, protected by God's providence. Both images serve to shame Saul by revealing the undignified and ultimately fruitless nature of his vendetta against one whom God protects.

**What does "let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD" mean?**

Answer: This is a profound plea to God for justice and protection. "My blood fall to the earth" is an idiom for being killed, specifically an unjust and violent death. The phrase "before the face of the LORD" means in God's sight or presence. David is asserting his innocence and appealing to God as the ultimate witness and judge. He is asking God to prevent his innocent blood from being shed, trusting that God sees his plight and will intervene. This echoes the biblical concept that innocent blood shed on the ground cries out to God for vengeance or justice, as seen in [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - Abel's Blood Crying Out"). David is essentially saying, "God, you see my innocence; do not let me die unjustly."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's innocent suffering and his refusal to harm God's anointed, even when unjustly pursued, profoundly foreshadow the perfect Christ. Like David, Jesus was an innocent man, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), relentlessly pursued by those in power who sought to kill Him without cause. Yet, Jesus, the true King of Israel, did not resist His captors ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Legions of Angels")), nor did He retaliate against His persecutors ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ Did Not Retaliate")). Instead, He willingly allowed His "blood to fall to the earth" not as an injustice to be avenged, but as a redemptive sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). While David appealed to God for vindication from unjust death, Christ's death was the very means of our salvation, and His vindication came through His glorious resurrection ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Was Raised for Our Justification")). Thus, David's humility and trust in God's ultimate justice point directly to the One who perfectly embodied innocent suffering and was ultimately exalted to the highest place ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), becoming the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him ([Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Christ, the Source of Eternal Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 24:14

After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

1 Samuel 2:9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Matthew 26:47

¶ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Matthew 26:55

In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

1 Samuel 25:29

Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, [as out] of the middle of a sling.