¹⁰ But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?^(A) If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”^(B)

¹¹ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son,^(C) my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.^{(D) 12} It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery^(E) and restore to me his covenant blessing^(F) instead of his curse today.^(G)”