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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 26:20 So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/26-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/09_1Sa_26_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 26:20 - David Reproves Abner" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/26-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/26-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 26:19">◄</a> 1 Samuel 26:20 <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm" title="1 Samuel 26:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26.htm">New International Version</a> Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> Must I die on foreign soil, far from the presence of the LORD? Why has the king of Israel come out to search for a single flea? Why does he hunt me down like a partridge on the mountains?” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/26.htm">New King James Version</a> So now, do not let my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, as when one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So now, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of Yahweh; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, just as one pursues a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now then, do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, just as when one hunts a [defenseless] partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So don’t let my blood fall to the ground far from the LORD’s presence, for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea, like one who pursues a partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So don&#8217t let my blood fall to the ground far from the LORD&#8217s presence, for the king of Israel has come out to search for a flea, like one who pursues a partridge in the mountains.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of Jehovah: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't let me die in a land far away from the LORD. I'm no more important than a flea! Why should the king of Israel hunt me down as if I were a bird in the mountains?" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence 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. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't let my blood fall to the ground, away from the LORD's presence. The king of Israel has come to search for one flea like someone hunting a partridge in the hills." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> Don't let me be killed on foreign soil, away from the LORD. Why should the king of Israel come to kill a flea like me? Why should he hunt me down like a wild bird?" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now, don't let my blood fall to the ground away from the LORD's presence. Indeed, the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea, like someone hunts a partridge in the mountains." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/26.htm">NET Bible</a> Now don't let my blood fall to the ground away from the LORD's presence, for the king of Israel has gone out to look for a flea the way one looks for a partridge in the hill country." <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now therefore, do not let my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to seek my life, as when one hunts a partridge in the mountains." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel hath come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. <a href="/web/1_samuel/26.htm">World English Bible</a> Now therefore, don’t let my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of Yahweh; for the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, as when one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And now, do not let my blood fall to the earth before the face of YHWH, for the king of Israel has come out to seek one flea, as [one] pursues the partridge in mountains.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And now, let not my blood fall to the earth over-against the face of Jehovah, for the king of Israel hath come out to seek one flea, as one pursueth the partridge in mountains.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now my blood shall not fall to the earth from before the face of Jehovah; for the king of Israel came forth to seek one flea, as when the partridge will pursue in the mountains.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And now, let not my blood be poured out upon the earth before the Lord. For the king of Israel has gone out, so that he might seek a flea, just as the partridge is pursued amid the mountains.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Bible</a> Do not let my blood spill on the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea as if he were hunting partridge in the mountains.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now therefore, do not let my blood fall to the ground, away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth far off from the face of the LORD; for the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, as one who pursues a partridge in the mountain. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Now, do not let my blood fall on the ground from before LORD JEHOVAH, because the King of Israel goes out to seek one flea as one chases a partridge in the mountains!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD; for the king of Israel is come out to seek a single flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And now let not my blood fall to the ground before the Lord, for the king of Israel has come forth to seek thy life, as the night hawk pursues its prey in the mountains. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/26-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8024" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">David Reproves Abner</a> …19Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20<a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">So</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: dā·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">let my blood</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: yip·pōl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fall</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: min·ne·ḡeḏ (Prep-m) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">far from</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the presence</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">has come out</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: lə·ḇaq·qêš (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">to look for</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">a</a> <a href="/hebrew/6550.htm" title="6550: par·‘ōš (N-ms) -- A flea. Probably from para' and ash; a flea.">flea,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">like</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: yir·dōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">one who hunts</a> <a href="/hebrew/7124.htm" title="7124: haq·qō·rê (Art:: N-ms) -- A partridge. Properly, active participle of qara'; a caller, i.e. Partridge.">a partridge</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: be·hā·rîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">in the mountains.”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">Psalm 11:1</a> For the choirmaster. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Psalm 142:4-5</a> Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. / I cry to You, O LORD: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” <a href="/jeremiah/16-16.htm">Jeremiah 16:16</a> But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks. <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Matthew 10:29-31</a> Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. / So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. <a href="/psalms/63-9.htm">Psalm 63:9-10</a> But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth. / They will fall to the power of the sword; they will become a portion for foxes. <a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">Psalm 7:1-2</a> A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, / or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Psalm 18:4-5</a> The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. / The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. <a href="/psalms/22-20.htm">Psalm 22:20-21</a> Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs. / Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me! <a href="/psalms/124-6.htm">Psalm 124:6-7</a> Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. / We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away. <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-3</a> Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">1 Kings 19:2-4</a> So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” / And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, / while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” <a href="/psalms/35-7.htm">Psalm 35:7</a> For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1-3</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. <a href="/psalms/140-1.htm">Psalm 140:1-5</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, / who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. / They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 does hunt a partridge in the mountains.let not my<a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">1 Samuel 2:9</a> He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.<a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">1 Samuel 25:29</a> Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.the king<a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a> After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.<a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47,55</a> And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people… a partridge.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-46.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/judges/6-38.htm">Drained</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">Hunt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Life</a> <a href="/judges/11-38.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Partridge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-15.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">Single</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/21-10.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-16.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-22.htm">Drained</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Hunt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Partridge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-11.htm">Single</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 26</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul, </a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">but takes his spear and jug</a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">David reproves Abner</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">and exhorts Saul</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Saul acknowledges his sin</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. David appeals to Saul, emphasizing the sanctity of life and his desire to remain within God's presence. The phrase "my blood" signifies his life, which he entrusts to God rather than to Saul's unjust pursuit. The "presence of the LORD" refers to the land of Israel, where God's presence was believed to dwell, particularly in the tabernacle. David's plea reflects his understanding of God's sovereignty and justice, as well as his desire to remain in the land promised to God's people. This echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a>, where David expresses joy in God's presence.For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, David uses the metaphor of a "flea" to describe himself, highlighting his perceived insignificance compared to King Saul. This imagery underscores the futility and disproportion of Saul's pursuit. In the cultural context, a flea was considered a minor nuisance, not worthy of a king's attention. This reflects David's humility and his recognition of Saul's misguided priorities. The metaphor also serves to contrast David's humility with Saul's obsession, reminiscent of David's earlier encounter with Goliath, where he was underestimated due to his youth and size.like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains. The partridge, a bird known for its elusive nature, symbolizes the difficulty and pointlessness of Saul's pursuit. Hunting partridges in the rugged terrain of the mountains would have been a challenging and often fruitless endeavor, illustrating the futility of Saul's efforts to capture David. This imagery may also allude to the broader theme of God's protection over David, as seen throughout his life, where despite being pursued, he remains unharmed. The mountains, often seen as places of refuge and divine encounter in biblical narratives, further emphasize God's providential care over David, akin to the protection offered to Elijah in <a href="/1_kings/19.htm">1 Kings 19</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is being pursued by King Saul. In this chapter, David demonstrates his respect for God's anointed by sparing Saul's life. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The current king of Israel, who is obsessively pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_of_ziph.htm">The Wilderness of Ziph</a> A region in Judah where David and his men are hiding. It is a place of refuge but also of danger, as Saul seeks David there. 4. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> David's nephew and one of his loyal warriors, who accompanies David into Saul's camp and offers to kill Saul. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_partridge_in_the_mountains.htm">The Partridge in the Mountains</a> A metaphor used by David to describe the futility and insignificance of Saul's pursuit of him, likening himself to a small, insignificant bird.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_god's_anointed.htm">Respect for God's Anointed</a> David's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us to respect those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are unjust. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a> David's reliance on God to deal with Saul reminds us to trust in God's perfect justice rather than taking matters into our own hands. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_adversity.htm">Humility in Adversity</a> By comparing himself to a "single flea" and a "partridge," David demonstrates humility, recognizing his own insignificance apart from God's purpose. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_pursuing_vanity.htm">The Futility of Pursuing Vanity</a> Saul's relentless pursuit of David is likened to hunting a partridge, illustrating the futility of chasing after personal vendettas or ambitions that are not aligned with God's will. <a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_trials.htm">God's Presence in Trials</a> David's desire not to be far from the presence of the LORD, even in danger, encourages us to seek God's presence and guidance in our own trials.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_sam_20_5_with_ot_feasts.htm">How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_high_priest_when_david_ate_bread.htm">Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)</a> <a href="/q/why_does_elhanan_kill_goliath's_brother.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_hannah_conceive_after_infertility.htm">How can Hannah's sudden pregnancy in 1 Samuel 1:5, 20 be explained given her long-term infertility?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Before the face of the Lord.--Better rendered, far from the presence of the Lord. The same thought dwelt upon in the last verse is here enlarged. "If this savage persecution continues," David goes on to say, "sooner or later I shall fall a victim to one or other of the countless perils to which one in my situation, as leader of a band of outlaws, is daily exposed. Let not such hard, cruel fate be mine--to die a violent death far away from the land which Jehovah loves." It was the same thought which inspires so touchingly this last prayer he made to Saul which, ever present in his heart, made the bringing up of the Ark to a permanent sanctuary, where the visible symbol of the Eternal Presence should dwell for ever, the dream of David's life. It was the same holy thought which induced him to spend so much time and to lay up such vast stores for the building of a glorious sanctuary. The passionate longing of the "man after God's own heart" to worship his Eternal Master in a fitting house devoted to His service, and in the company of men who loved and honoured the Name of names, is to be found in some of the most soul-searching of his psalms.To seek a flea.--The same humiliating comparison he had made once before on a similar occasion again occurs to him. Such repetition is of ordinary occurrence, as we well know, both in speeches and writings. The LXX. here substitute for "a flea" "my soul," probably with the view of avoiding the repetition of the simile of a flea, which David had made use of on the previous occasion of his sparing the king's life at En-gedi.A partridge in the mountains.--The LXX. needlessly alters "partridge" into "screech-owl," and changes the sense: "as the screech-owl hunts on the mountains." The meaning of the simile in the Hebrew original is well given by Erdmann, in Lange: "The isolated from God's people, far from all association, a fugitive from their plots on the mountain heights, thou seekest at all cost to destroy, as one hunts a single fugitive partridge on the mountain, only to kill it at all costs, while otherwise, from its insignificance, it would not be hunted, since partridges are to be found in the field in coveys." Conder (Tent Life in Palestine) especially tells us that partridges still tenant these wilds; and speaking of the precipitous cliffs overhanging the Dead Sea, he says: "Among the rocks of the wild goats the bands of ibex may be seen still bounding, and the partridge is still chased on the mountains, as David was followed by the stealthy hunter Saul."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of Jehovah. Hebrew, "far from the presence of Jehovah." The point of David's appeal is not that his life may be spared, but that he may not thus be driven far away from the land where Jehovah manifests himself; nor does he seem so much to contemplate Saul's putting him to death as the probability that sooner or later the life of an exile will be cut short by one or other of the many dangers by which he is surrounded. A flea. Hebrew, "a single flea," as in <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a>. A partridge. Many emendations of the text have been proposed on the supposition that partridges are only to be found in plains. But Mr. Condor tells us that partridges are among the few living creatures which still tenant these wilds; and, speaking of the precipitous cliffs which overhang the Dead Sea, he says, Here, among "the rocks of the wild goats, the herds of ibex may be seen bounding, and the partridge is still chased on the mountains, as David was followed by the stealthy hunter Saul" ('Tent Work,' 2:90: see also <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/26-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not let my blood דָּֽמִי֙ (dā·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed fall יִפֹּ֤ל (yip·pōl) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie to the ground אַ֔רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land far from מִנֶּ֖גֶד (min·ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before the presence פְּנֵ֣י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of the LORD. יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc has come out יָצָ֞א (yā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to look for לְבַקֵּשׁ֙ (lə·ḇaq·qêš) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after a אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first flea, פַּרְעֹ֣שׁ (par·‘ōš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6550.htm">Strong's 6550: </a> A flea like כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that one who hunts יִרְדֹּ֥ף (yir·dōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> To pursue, chase, persecute a partridge הַקֹּרֵ֖א (haq·qō·rê) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7124.htm">Strong's 7124: </a> A caller, partridge in the mountains.” בֶּהָרִֽים׃ (be·hā·rîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/26-20.htm">1 Samuel 26:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 26:20 Now therefore don't let my blood fall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>