⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed,^(A) or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” ⁷ With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

⁸ Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.^{(B) 9} He said to Saul, “Why do you listen^(C) when men say, ‘David is bent on harming^(D) you’? ¹⁰ This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared^(E) you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ ¹¹ See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut^(F) off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty^(G) of wrongdoing^(H) or rebellion. I have not wronged^(I) you, but you are hunting^(J) me down to take my life.^{(K) 12} May the Lord judge^(L) between you and me. And may the Lord avenge^(M) the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(A) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.^(B)

¹⁹ Do not take revenge,^(A) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a](B) says the Lord.