Animals of the Bible · Underground · Insects

The Flea

The Flea — a wonderful creature of Scripture and of the Bible world

Discovered in your collection

Key verse
1 Samuel 24:14
Where it lived
The “underground” habitat in the Bible lands: the valleys and hills of the Holy Land
What it reminds us of
The Flea in Scripture
Illustration: The Flea

Stories from Scripture

The Flea in the stories of the Bible

  1. People of faith

    The Flea in Scripture

    “After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.” David compares himself to a tiny creature to show King Saul that he does not want to harm him and that he trusts in God’s justice.

    1 Samuel 24:14

  2. The prophets and the wise

    What the Bible teaches about the flea

    “…the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.” With these humble words, David points out how pointless hatred and unjust persecution are, leaving revenge in the Lord’s hands.

    1 Samuel 26:20

Wonders of Creation

Did you know?

  • A flea can jump more than 100 times the height of its own body; David used its proverbial smallness to disarm the anger of a king with thousands of warriors.

  • In Bible times, the flea was part of the everyday scenery of the lands of the ancient East.

  • Every feature of this creature shows the order and care of the Creator for all the living things on earth.

From the Holy Scriptures

What do we read in the Bible about the flea?

14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

20 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.

Verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Read each passage in the context of its chapter in the Bible.

What the flea teaches us

The Flea in Scripture

Although he was the future king, David humbled himself deeply before Saul by comparing himself to a flea. This real humility kept him from the sin of revenge and made him a man after God’s own heart.

How we can live this out today

Look at nature and thank God for the care He gives to every creature, big or small!

Mini-Quiz

What did you learn about the flea?

In which book of the Bible do we find references to the flea?

For parents and children

At home and in Sunday school

A question for parents and children

What can we learn from the way God takes care of the animals in nature? How does the Bible show us His love for us?

My prayer
“Lord, thank You for the wonderful world You made and for Your care every day. Teach me to love Your creation and to follow You with a thankful heart! Amen.”