7. So David rebuked his men with the words and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave, and he went on his way.
8. Then David got up afterward and went out of the cave and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked after him, David knelt down with his face to the ground and bowed down.
9. Then David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of people who say: ‘Look, David is seeking to do you harm’?
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.