16. You didn't guard him. And that isn't good. You can be sure that the Lord lives. And you can be just as sure that you and your men are worthy of death. That's because you didn't guard your master. He's the Lord's anointed king. Look around you. Where are the king's spear and water jug that were near his head?"
17. Saul recognized David's voice. He said, "My son David, is that your voice?" David replied, "Yes it is, King Saul, my master."
18. He continued, "Why are you chasing me? What evil thing have I done? What am I guilty of?
19. "King Saul, please listen to what I'm saying. Was it the Lord who made you angry with me? If it was, may he accept my offering. Was it people who made you angry at me? If it was, may the Lord send down a curse on them. They have now driven me from my share of the Lord's land. By doing that, they might as well have said, 'Go and serve other gods.'
20. "Don't spill my blood on the ground far away from where the Lord lives. King Saul, you have come out to look for nothing but a flea. It's as if you were hunting a partridge in the mountains."
21. Then Saul said, "I have sinned. My son David, come back. Today you thought my life was very special. So I won't try to harm you again. I've really acted like a foolish person. I've made a huge mistake."
22. "Here's your spear," David answered. "Send one of your young men over to get it.
23. "The Lord rewards everyone for doing what is right and being faithful. He handed you over to me today. But I wouldn't lay a hand on you. You are the Lord's anointed king.
24. Today I thought your life had great value. In the same way, may the Lord think of my life as having great value. May he save me from all trouble."