17. Saul recognised David’s voice and said, ‘Is that your voice, David my son?’David replied, ‘Yes it is, my lord the king.’
18. And he added, ‘Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?
19. Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the Lord has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering. If, however, people have done it, may they be cursed before the Lord! They have driven me today from my share in the Lord’s inheritance and have said, “Go, serve other gods.”
20. Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the Lord. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea – as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.’
21. Then Saul said, ‘I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong.’
22. ‘Here is the king’s spear,’ David answered. ‘Let one of your young men come over and get it.
23. The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord gave you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed.
24. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.’
25. Then Saul said to David, ‘May you be blessed, David my son; you will do great things and surely triumph.’So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.