Flea
“Flea, from its leaping”
Summary
A small jumping insect used by David as a symbol of his own insignificance when pursued by King Saul.
☩David's Self-Description
David twice described himself as a flea when addressing Saul during the king's pursuit of him. At En-gedi he asked, 'After whom has the king of Israel come out? After a dead dog, after a flea?' The comparison displays great address, appealing to the immense disparity between Saul as king of Israel and David as a poor, contemptible fugitive.
☩The Insect
The Hebrew parosh means 'leaper,' describing the flea's characteristic movement. The insect abounds profusely in Syria and Palestine, especially during spring, in streets and dusty bazaars. There is a popular saying in Palestine that 'the king of the fleas keeps his court at Tiberias.' Hunting a flea is a common ancient metaphor for much labor expended for a worthless result.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Flea," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Flea," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).