1 Samuel 26:20

And now let not my blood be shed upon the earth before the Lord: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as the partridge is hunted in the mountains.

Douay-Rheims 1899

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

19Now therefore hear, I pray thee, my lord the king, the words of thy servant: If the Lord stir thee up against me, let him accept of sacrifice: but if the sons of men, they are cursed in the sight of the Lord, who have cast me out this day, that I should not dwell in the inheritance of the Lord, saying: Go, serve strange gods.

21And Saul said: I have sinned, return, my son David, for I will no more do thee harm, because my life hath been precious in thy eyes this day: for it appeareth that I have done foolishly, and have been ignorant in very many things.

Read all of 1 Samuel 26

Cross References

1 Samuel 2:9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness, because no man shall prevail by his own strength.

1 Samuel 24:15After whom dost thou pursue? After a dead dog, after a flea.

Matthew 26:47As he yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people.

Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 26:14-21

David Expostulates with Saul. ( b. c. 1056.) 13 Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off; a great space being between them: 14 And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king? 15 And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Samuel 26:20