10. Look, this day your eyes have seen that Yahweh gave you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you. But I took pity on you and said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, because he is Yahweh’s anointed one.’
11. Now, my father, see, yes, see, the hem of your robe in my hand! For when I cut the hem of your robe I did not kill you. Know and realize that there is no evil or rebellion in my hand. I did not sin against you, but you are hunting down my life to take it.
12. May Yahweh judge between me and you, and may Yahweh avenge me on you, but my hand will not be against you!
13. Just as the ancient proverb says, ‘From the wicked, wickedness goes out,’ but my hand will not be against you!
14. After whom did the king of Israel go out? After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? After one flea?
15. May Yahweh be the judge, and let him judge between me and you, and may he see and plead my case. May he vindicate me against you!”
16. When David finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
17. Then he said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me the good, but I have repaid you the evil.
18. You have explained to me today that you have dealt well with me, how Yahweh delivered me into your hand but you did not kill me.
19. For a man has found his enemy but sent him on his way safely. Now may Yahweh reward you with good in return for this day, for what you have done for me.
20. So now then, look, I know that you will certainly be king and the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.
21. So then, swear to me by Yahweh that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not wipe out my name from my father’s house.”
22. So David swore this on oath to Saul, and Saul went to his house, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.