10. As surely as the Lord lives, the Lord will kill Saul, or Saul will die a natural death or be killed in battle.
11. But I pray that the Lord will keep me from harming his chosen king. Let's grab his spear and his water jar and get out of here!”
12. David took the spear and the water jar, then left the camp. None of Saul's soldiers knew what had happened or even woke up—the Lord had made all of them fall sound asleep.
13. David and Abishai crossed the valley and went to the top of the next hill, where they were at a safe distance.
14. “Abner!” David shouted towards Saul's army. “Can you hear me?”Abner shouted back. “Who dares disturb the king?”
15. “Abner, what kind of a man are you?” David replied. “Aren't you supposed to be the best soldier in Israel? Then why didn't you protect your king? Anyone who went into your camp could have killed him tonight.
16. You're a complete failure! I swear by the living Lord that you and your men deserve to die for not protecting the Lord's chosen king. Look and see if you can find the king's spear and the water jar that were near his head.”
17. Saul could tell it was David's voice, and he called out, “David, my son! Is that you?”“Yes it is, Your Majesty.
18. Why are you after me? Have I done something wrong, or have I committed a crime?
19. Please listen to what I have to say. If the Lord has turned you against me, perhaps a sacrifice will make him change his mind. But if some people have turned you against me, I hope the Lord will punish them! They have forced me to leave the land that belongs to the Lord and have told me to worship foreign gods.
20. Don't let me die in a land far away from the Lord. I'm no more important than a flea! Why should the king of Israel hunt me down as if I were a bird in the mountains?”
21. “David, you had the chance to kill me today. But you didn't. I was very wrong about you. It was a terrible mistake for me to try to kill you. I've acted like a fool, but I'll never try to harm you again. You're like a son to me, so please come back.”
22. “Your Majesty, here's your spear! Let one of your soldiers come and get it.
23. The Lord put you in my power today, but you are his chosen king and I wouldn't harm you. The Lord rewards people who are faithful and live right.
24. I saved your life today, and I pray that the Lord will protect me and keep me safe.”