1 Samuel 26:13-20

New International Version

¹³ Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away; there was a wide space between them. ¹⁴ He called out to the army and to Abner son of Ner, “Aren’t you going to answer me, Abner?”

Abner replied, “Who are you who calls to the king?”

¹⁵ David said, “You’re a man, aren’t you? And who is like you in Israel? Why didn’t you guard your lord the king? Someone came to destroy your lord the king. ¹⁶ What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men must die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?”

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)”