A dead dog or a flea. Those were the words of the greatest king and the king who set the standard for all the kings the world over after him. In 1 Samuel 24, David, instead of killing King Saul who was searching everywhere with an army to kill him, cut off a part of Saul’s clothing. Then he got out of Saul’s reach and called to him, asking who he was really searching for: a dead dog or a flea?
A dead dog is easy to find because its rotting flesh carries a bad smell, and it cannot harm anyone. So, why be searching with three thousand fighting men for something that is harmless? Saul knew he was not doing right and wanted his son to succeed him as king, but he saw David standing in the way. A flea lives in the hairs of a dog, very small and very hard to find. Even harder to find is a specific flea, and to make matters worse, when the dog dies, the fleas leave.
What was David saying to Saul? God was protecting David, for He had chosen him for a purpose, and therefore it was impossible for Saul to find and kill him. David found Saul, but Saul was searching for David. When you are on God’s side, and God is your rock and strong tower, He knows how to make you into a flea in the eyes of those who want you out of the way or even as a dead dog that they will not want to be near.
God is a keeper and protector, and there is none like unto Him. David could make no greater or better analogy of God’s protection, neither can you and I today. I’d rather be a flea for God than a king for the human race.
This has been today’s crosspoint, a bird’s-eye view looking from the cross. Have a blessed day.
Accompanying Bible Verse:
- **1 Samuel 24:14 (NIV):** “Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?”
- **Psalm 18:2 (NIV):** “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
- **Psalm 91:1 (NIV):** “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
