1 Samuel 26:17-25

New International Version

¹⁷ Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice,^(A) David my son?”

David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.” ¹⁸ And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong^(B) am I guilty of? ¹⁹ Now let my lord the king listen^(C) to his servant’s words. If the Lord has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering.^(D) If, however, people have done it, may they be cursed before the Lord! They have driven me today from my share in the Lord’s inheritance^(E) and have said, ‘Go, serve other gods.’^{(F) 20} Now do not let my blood^(G) fall to the ground far from the presence of the Lord. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea^(H)—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.^(I)”

²¹ Then Saul said, “I have sinned.^(J) Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious^(K) today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong.”

²² “Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it. ²³ The Lord rewards^(L) everyone for their righteousness^(M) and faithfulness. The Lord delivered^(N) you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. ²⁴ As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver^(O) me from all trouble.”

²⁵ Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed,^(P) David my son; you will do great things and surely triumph.”

So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.