Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 26:20. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about a situation involving David and his relationship with Saul. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: David is warning Saul – the king of Israel – that he’s pursuing something incredibly small and insignificant – a flea – while also acknowledging that he’s doing it in a way that might be disrespectful to God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD…” - This is a serious warning. “My blood” refers to David’s own life and his potential punishment for wrongdoing. He's saying that his actions – specifically this pursuit of a flea – could have consequences that reach God himself. “…for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea…” - This is where it gets really striking. It’s comparing Saul to a hunter who's desperately trying to catch a tiny, insignificant insect (a flea). This emphasizes that Saul is obsessed with this trivial pursuit. He's so focused on this small thing that he's losing sight of the bigger picture – his responsibilities as king and his relationship with God. "...as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains." - This is the key imagery. It’s drawing a parallel to David’s own life, which was originally described as a hunter. The "partridge in the mountains" represents a noble and important task – ruling Israel. Saul's relentless pursuit of this flea is likened to a shepherd tending a small bird – a symbol of importance and responsibility. It suggests that Saul is prioritizing a trivial matter above his duty. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse is a warning about the dangers of obsession, misplaced priorities, and failing to remember one’s purpose. David is telling Saul to stop chasing this insignificant flea because it distracts him from his true calling as king – leading Israel to God. It's a reminder that even seemingly small actions can have significant consequences if they consume our attention. In essence, the verse is saying: “Don’t get so caught up in trivial pursuits that you lose your way and become a danger to yourself and those around you.” --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this verse – perhaps its historical context or its deeper meaning? For example, would you like me to explain the symbolism behind the flea/partridge?