13. Then David went over to the other side and stood on the top of a hill at a distance. A great space was between them.
14. And David called to the people and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Will you not answer, Abner?”Then Abner answered and said, “Who are you that calls to the king?”
15. And David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? And who is like to you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king your lord.
16. This thing is not good which you have done. As the Lord lives, you are worthy of death because you have not guarded your master, the Lord’s anointed. And now, see where is the king’s spear? And the jug of water that was at his head?”
17. Saul knew David’s voice, and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?”And David said, “It is my voice, my lord king.”
18. He said, “Why is my lord pursuing after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?
19. Now please let my lord king hear the words of his servant. If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. But if it was the sons of men, cursed are they before the Lord. For they have driven me today from having a share in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
20. Now do not let my blood fall to the ground away from the presence of the Lord. Truly the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea, as when one pursues a partridge in the mountains.”
21. Then said Saul, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again, because my soul was precious in your eyes this day. I have acted foolishly and have seriously gone astray.”
22. David answered and said, “See, the king’s spear! Let one of the young men come over and get it.
23. The Lord requites to every man his right conduct and loyalty. So the Lord gave you into my hand today, but I am not willing to stretch my hand against the Lord’s anointed.
24. As your life was highly valued in my eyes this day, so may my life be highly valued in the eyes of the Lord, and may He rescue me out of all distress.”
25. Then Saul said to David, “Blessed are you, my son David. You will do great things, and will surely prevail.”So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.