6. He said to his men, “It would be unthinkable for me to raise my hand against His Majesty, the Lord’s anointed king, since he is the Lord’s anointed.”
7. So David stopped his men by saying this to them and didn’t let them attack Saul.Saul left the cave and went out onto the road.
8. Later, David got up, left the cave, and called to Saul, “Your Majesty!” When Saul looked back, David knelt down with his face touching the ground.
9. David asked Saul, “Why do you listen to rumors that I am trying to harm you?
10. Today you saw how the Lord handed you over to me in the cave. Although I was told to kill you, I spared you, saying, ‘I will not raise my hand against Your Majesty because you are the Lord’s anointed.’
11. My master, look at this! The border of your robe is in my hand! Since I cut off the border of your robe and didn’t kill you, you should know and be able to see I mean no harm or rebellion. I haven’t sinned against you, but you are trying to ambush me in order to take my life.
12. May the Lord decide between you and me. May the Lord take revenge on you for what you did to me. However, I will not lay a hand on you.
13. It’s like people used to say long ago, ‘Wickedness comes from wicked people.’ But I will not lay a hand on you.
14. Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? One flea?
15. So the Lord must be the judge. He will decide between you and me. He will watch and take my side in ⌊this⌋ matter and set me free from you.”
16. When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that you speaking, my servant David?” and Saul cried loudly.