David is speaking directly to Saul, who is the king of Israel. But he refers to him indirectly, perhaps in order to show his respect, but possibly also to focus on Saul’s high position. For the sake of clarity some may have to translate “Why should you, the king of Israel, be out tracking me down?”

David refers to himself indirectly in terms by which he gives low value to himself. But in some languages it will have to be made clear that he is indeed referring to himself directly when he uses these terms.

A dead dog: as seen in 17.43 dogs were not viewed as favorably as in certain cultures today. An Israelite called himself or herself a dog to show extreme humility. The addition of the adjective “dead” simply adds to the degradation. In some languages it will be more meaningful to say something like “I’m as worthless as a dead dog” (Contemporary English Version). Compare also 2 Sam 16.9.

A flea symbolized insignificance. By using the image of this insect, David further humbles himself before Saul. A similar image is used in 26.20.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .