3
He came to the sheep pens by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet. Now David and his men were abiding in the innermost parts of the cave.
4
The men of David said to him, Behold, the day of which Yahweh said to you, Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe secretly.
5
It happened afterward, that David's heart struck him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
6
He said to his men, Yahweh forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, Yahweh's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Yahweh's anointed.
7
So David checked his men with these words, and didn't allow them to rise against Saul. Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
8
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance.
9
David said to Saul, Why listen you to men's words, saying, Behold, David seeks your hurt?
10
Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that Yahweh had delivered you today into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill you; but [my eye] spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is Yahweh's anointed.
11
Moreover, my father, behold, yes, see the skirt of your robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of your robe, and didn't kill you, know you and see that there is neither evil nor disobedience in my hand, and I have not sinned against you, though you hunt after my life to take it.
12
Yahweh judge between me and you, and Yahweh avenge me of you; but my hand shall not be on you.
13
As says the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be on you.