Dog

 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea!
1 Samuel 24:14 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1sa.24.14.ESV

Nowadays, we might say that David had low self esteem, or perhaps overly poetic false humility. The Bible isn't too bothered about such things however. What really matters is that we have high God esteem.

David recognised Saul as the anointed king of Israel. At the same time, he himself had been anointed king of Israel. He didn't snatch at an opportunity to grap the throne however, he respected his envious, murderous incumbent.

Apart from being a good true story about how David spared Saul's life, there's a spiritual analogy here too. Satan, the prince of the powers of the air, the god of this age, persecuted Jesus to death on a cross, like a dog or a worm rather than a man. Ultimately however, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Satan, like Saul at the time of this verse, might be the incumbent ruler of the world. But His days are numbered. The Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ has already defeated the devil. His fate is sealed.

'Sovereign Lord, we trust in Your Son to deliver us from the devil so that we can enjoy the Kingdom of heaven for eternity. To Your honour and praise, amen'

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