Partridge

 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the Lord, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains."
1 Samuel 26:20 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1sa.26.20.ESV

David had great humility and godliness in his dealings with the incumbent king Saul, who was out for his blood. More than once he had opportunity to assassinate Saul and take his place as the anointed king of Israel. Yet he refused to raise his hands against the Lord's anointed.

As far as David was concerned, he was a 'wee flea' on the back of Saul. Saul was treating him like a hunter would pursue a partridge, as fair game. David insisted this wasn't fair, he'd not wronged Saul.

If we think of the church, when we're persecuted by the likes of Saul of Tarsus, we aren't to take the law into our hands and seek revenge. Instead, we are to entrust ourselves to God's grace. Blessed are the persecuted according to Jesus, for great is their reward in heaven.

Even with the likes of Caesar in Rome or Putin in Moscow, it's not for Christians to attempt to overthrow unjust leaders. Instead, we are to entrust ourselves to the mercies of our Sovereign
God. He will vindicate His people.

'Sovereign God, please help us not to rail against Your providence, but to entrust ourselves to You, to overrule oppressive rulers. For Your eternal honour, amen'

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