17 Saul recognized David's voice. He said, ‘Is that you David, my son?’
David answered, ‘Yes, my master and my king, it is my voice that you can hear.’
18 David also said, ‘Why are you chasing after me, my master? What have I done that is wrong? Why am I guilty? 19 My master and my king, please listen to me. Has the Lord made you angry with me? If that is true, a sacrifice to him may change his thoughts. But if men have made you turn against me, I ask the Lord to curse them. They have chased me out of the land that belongs to the Lord's people. They have said to me, “Go away and worship other gods!” 20 Do not let me die a long way away from the Lord's home. You are the king of Israel and I am like a small fly. But you are trying to catch me! You are like someone who is looking for a wild bird in the mountains!’
21 Then Saul said, ‘I have done a bad thing. Return home, David, my son. You chose not to kill me today, because you knew the value of my life. So I will not hurt you again. I have done foolish things. I have made a big mistake.’
