9. But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed and be blameless? ”
10. David added, “As the Lord lives, the Lord will certainly strike him down: either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish.
11. However, because of the Lord, I will never lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and the water jug by his head, and let’s go.”
12. So David took the spear and the water jug by Saul’s head, and they went their way. No one saw them, no one knew, and no one woke up; they all remained asleep because a deep sleep from the Lord came over them.
13. David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance; there was a considerable space between them.
14. Then David shouted to the troops and to Abner son of Ner: “Aren’t you going to answer, Abner? ”“Who are you who calls to the king? ” Abner asked.
15. David called to Abner, “You’re a man, aren’t you? Who in Israel is your equal? So why didn’t you protect your lord the king when one of the people came to destroy him?
16. What you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, all of you deserve to die since you didn’t protect your lord, the Lord’s anointed. Now look around; where are the king’s spear and water jug that were by his head? ”
17. Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, my son David? ” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.
18. Then he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?
19. Now, may my lord the king please hear the words of his servant: If it is the Lord who has incited you against me, then may He accept an offering. But if it is people, may they be cursed in the presence of the Lord, for today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the Lord saying, ‘Go and worship other gods.’
20. So don’t let my blood fall to the ground far from the Lord’s presence, for the king of Israel has come out to search for a flea, like one who pursues a partridge in the mountains.”
21. Saul responded, “I have sinned. Come back, my son David, I will never harm you again because today you considered my life precious. I have been a fool! I’ve committed a grave error.”
22. David answered, “Here is the king’s spear; have one of the young men come over and get it.
23. May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his loyalty. I wasn’t willing to lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed, even though the Lord handed you over to me today.
24. Just as I considered your life valuable today, so may the Lord consider my life valuable and rescue me from all trouble.”
25. Saul said to him, “You are blessed, my son David. You will certainly do great things and will also prevail.” Then David went on his way, and Saul returned home.