1 Samuel 26:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →David begs that his blood not be shed before the Lord, comparing the king's vast pursuit of him to hunting a single flea or partridge.
What Does 1 Samuel 26:20 Mean?
David pleads that his blood not be spilled far from the Lord's presence, then exposes the absurdity of the chase. The king of Israel has marched out with an army to seek a flea, like a man wearing himself out hunting a lone partridge through the hills.
The images are at once humble and pointed. David makes himself small to show how unworthy he is of such a hunt, while quietly appealing to the God who sees all and before whom no blood falls unnoticed. The lowly who entrust their cause to heaven are never truly insignificant; the One who marks the sparrow's fall numbers their days and weighs every drop of innocent blood.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 26:20
What does 1 Samuel 26:20 mean?
David begs that his blood not be shed before the Lord, comparing the king's vast pursuit of him to hunting a single flea or partridge.