7. David used these words to stop his men; he did not let them attack Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went his way.
8. When David came out of the cave, he shouted to Saul, “My master and king!” Saul looked back, and David bowed facedown on the ground.
9. He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when people say, ‘David wants to harm you’?
10. You have seen something with your own eyes today. The Lord put you in my power in the cave. They said I should kill you, but I was merciful. I said, ‘I won’t harm my master, because he is the Lord’s appointed king.’
11. My father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe, but I didn’t kill you. Now understand and know I am not planning any evil against you. I did nothing wrong to you, but you are hunting me to kill me.
12. May the Lord judge between us, and may he punish you for the wrong you have done to me! But I am not against you.
13. There is an old saying: ‘Evil things come from evil people.’ But I am not against you.