1 Samuel 24:11-21
English Standard Version
Chapter 24
11See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. 13As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 14After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! 15May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand."
16As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" And Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
17He said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil.
18And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands.
19For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.
20And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.
21Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father 's house."
