13. David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of a hill with considerable distance between them.
14. Then David shouted to the army and to Abner, Ner’s son, "Abner! Aren’t you going to answer me?""Who are you to shout to the king?" Abner asked.
15. David answered Abner, "You are a man, aren’t you? And you have no equal in Israel, right? Then why haven’t you kept watch over your master the king? One of the soldiers came to kill your master the king.
16. What you’ve done is terrible! As surely as the Lord lives, all of you are dead men because you didn’t keep close watch over your master, the Lord’s anointed. Have a look around! Where are the king’s spear and the water jug that were by his head?"
17. Saul recognized David’s voice and said, "David, my son, is that your voice?"David said, "Yes it is, my master the king.
18. Why," David continued, "is my master chasing me, his servant? What have I done and what wrong am I guilty of?
19. My master the king, please listen to what your servant has to say. If it is the Lord who has incited you against me, then let him accept an offering! But if human beings have done it, then let them be cursed before the Lord because they have now driven me off, keeping me from sharing in the Lord’s inheritance. ‘Go!’ they tell me. ‘Worship other gods!’
20. Don’t let my blood spill on the ground apart from the Lord’s presence, because the king of Israel has come out looking for a single flea like someone hunting a partridge in the mountains."
21. Then Saul said, "I have sinned! David, my son, come back! Because you considered my life precious today, I won’t harm you again. I have acted foolishly and have made a huge mistake."
22. "Here is the king’s spear," David answered. "Allow one of your servants to come over and get it.
23. Remember: The Lord rewards every person for their righteousness and loyalty, and I wasn’t willing to lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed, even though the Lord handed you over to me today.
24. And just as I considered your life valuable today, may the Lord consider my life valuable, and may he deliver me from all trouble."
25. Then Saul said to David, "Bless you, David, my son! You will accomplish much and will certainly succeed." Then David went on his way, but Saul went back home.