After a dead dog? after a flea?— A dog was an object of the greatest contempt. The reason why this secondary idea was always associated with the name of this animal in the mind of a Jew, may be deduced from the Mosaic law, which was intended not only to preserve the idea of the unity of thy Deity, but as an invincible barrier to keep the Israelites separate from other nations, by opposing, as well as imitating, under certain corrections, their ritual ceremonies. The dog being the hieroglyphick of the chief deity among the Egyptians, the treating this symbol with contempt, and propagating the term with such an associated idea to the latest posterity, was, in the course of nature, the most efficacious means to preserve the Israelites from adopting that species of idolatry; and when we recollect that Egyptian superstition was peculiarly affected by the Israelites, we cannot sufficiently admire the depth of the riches of the divine mercy and wisdom. The sense of this passage then is, "Dost thou pursue one of the weakest and meanest of thy subjects, and of no more signification and strength, in comparison of the king at the head of his chosen troops, than a dead dog, or a single flea?" And this was justly said; for Saul had now three thousand chosen men with him, and all the forces of Israel at his command; and David had at most but six hundred.
REFLECTIONS.—Saul, in the heat of the day, fatigued probably with the toil of mounting the craggy steeps, retires into the cave to cover his feet, wrapping himself up in his garments, for a little repose. When his nap is over, unsuspicious of what has passed, he arises and departs; David quickly follows him, and ere he was gone far, cries after him with the most honorable title, My lord the king; and bows before him with the deepest respect. Greatly surprised at the voice, no doubt, he turns; and is more surprised at the person, but most at the discourse which was addressed to him by his pious son and loyal subject.
1. He wisely and politely lays the blame of Saul's conduct on his courtiers rather than himself; and many such as Doeg, no doubt, there were, who envied David's preferment. The courts of princes abound with sycophants: it is difficult for them to see with their own eyes; and the best friends of their country, represented through this medium, are often made to appear, and are treated, as her sworn enemies.
2. He produces the strongest evidence of his innocence in that day's occurrence: so far from seeking Saul's life, when urged to slay him while lying at his mercy, the skirt he held up proclaimed how tender he was of his life; he reverenced him as God's anointed, he respected him as his king; and he adds the endearing name of father, both as a reason for rejecting so wicked a proposal, and to awaken the tenderness of a father's bowels towards a son so dutiful, and a servant so faithful. Note; No provocation can justify regicide.
3. He solemnly protests, that it never was his intention, and never would be his desire, to avenge himself: he referred the matter wholly to God; and observes, according to an ancient proverb, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked; as a man's heart is, so are his actions: had he harboured any ill design, it must then have undoubtedly appeared; therefore Saul might be assured of his innocence and loyalty. Note; (1.) As the saying is, conveys many a good admonition; the words of the wise deserve to be long remembered, and often quoted. (2.) The only safe conclusion of a man's temper is certainly from his actions: an evil tree beareth not good fruit.
4. He expostulates with him, not only how unbecoming it was in a good man to pursue the innocent, but how unbecoming of a great king to persecute one so much his inferior, a shepherd, an exile, leaping as a flea from hill to hill for safety; and as worthless and unable to make resistance as a dead dog. Note; Yielding pacifies wrath: to humble ourselves before others, is the best way to keep them from trampling upon us, if they have any nobleness of spirit remaining.
Lastly, he rests his cause in the hands of the great Judge and avenger, and trusts that he will plead for him now, and stand by him, if the king still refuses to be convinced by such undeniable evidence of his innocency. Note; It is the comfort of the oppressed, that they have a tribunal to appeal to, where justice shall be done them. The last day at least will be our vindication from every malignant accusation.