7. David said these things to stop his men. He would not let his men hurt Saul. Saul left the cave and went on his way.
8. Later, David came out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” Saul looked back. David bowed with his face to the ground to show his respect.
9. David said to Saul, “Why do you listen when people say, ‘David plans to hurt you’?
10. You can see that with your own eyes that is not true. The Lord put you within my grasp today in the cave, but I refused to kill you. I was merciful to you. I said, ‘I won’t hurt my master. Saul is the Lord’S chosen king.’
11. Look at this piece of cloth in my hand. I cut off the corner of your robe. I could have killed you, but I didn’t. Now, I want you to understand this. I want you to know that I am not planning anything against you. I did nothing wrong to you, but you are hunting me and trying to kill me.
12. Let the Lord be the judge. I hope the Lord will punish you for the wrong you did to me, but I won’t fight you myself.
13. There is an old saying: ‘Bad things come from bad people.’ “I haven’t done anything bad, and I won’t hurt you.
14. Who are you chasing? Did the king of Israel bring an army to chase a single flea or a dying dog?
15. Let the Lord be the judge. Let him decide between you and me. He will support me and show that I am right. He will save me from you.”
16. When David finished speaking, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul lifted his voice and began to cry.
17. He said, “You are right, and I am wrong. You were good to me, even though I have been bad to you.