1 Samuel 24:9-15
“9David said to Saul, ‘Why do you listen to the words of those who say, “David seeks to do you harm”? 10This very day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you into my hand in the cave; and some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, “I will not raise my hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed.” 11See, my father, see the corner of your cloak in my hand; for by the fact that I cut off the corner of your cloak, and did not kill you, you may know for certain that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you are hunting me to take my life. 12May the Lord judge between me and you! May the Lord avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you. 13As the ancient proverb says, “Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness”; but my hand shall not be against you. 14Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A single flea? 15May the Lord therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you. May he see to it, and plead my cause, and vindicate me against you.’”
It seems even in Biblical times, the analogy of one person being inconsequential as a flea, was even true then. The two instances of the creature, a flea, being referenced in the Bible, comes within the high drama of King Saul and David. The first is within David’s speech in Chapter 24, after David chooses not to kill Saul. Even when presented with an opportunity as Saul himself is wishing to kill David. David is clear in this scenario he is the flea; though as good Bible readers we know how this story ends and fortunes are reversed. David will rise as the next king but not yet.
Prayer
Creator God, the minute size of fleas reminds us, sometimes, how powerless we are in the world yet you care for us. Continue such care and remind us of your deep love, always. Amen.
