The flea

(1 Sam. 24:15; 26:20) (Hebrew: parosh) — a small insect, troublesome and vexing to man, since it feeds on his blood, and to this day is found in great abundance in eastern countries, so that Bedouins are often compelled to change their camping places because of them. In the streets and bazaars of Syria they multiply in such quantity that persons of the privileged classes always change their clothing upon returning home from a walk. David compares himself to a flea, as an insignificant insect, out of a feeling of deep humility, in order to make Saul see, in his pursuit of him, something insignificant, not worth great effort.