5 Later, David felt bad about what he did.
6 He said to his men, “I pray the Lord never lets me do anything like that to my master again. I must not do anything against Saul, because he is the Lord’S chosen king.”
7 David said these things to stop his men. He would not let his men hurt Saul. Saul left the cave and went on his way.
8 Later, David came out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” Saul looked back. David bowed with his face to the ground to show his respect.
9 David said to Saul, “Why do you listen when people say, ‘David plans to hurt you’?
10 You can see that with your own eyes that is not true. The Lord put you within my grasp today in the cave, but I refused to kill you. I was merciful to you. I said, ‘I won’t hurt my master. Saul is the Lord’S chosen king.’
11 Look at this piece of cloth in my hand. I cut off the corner of your robe. I could have killed you, but I didn’t. Now, I want you to understand this. I want you to know that I am not planning anything against you. I did nothing wrong to you, but you are hunting me and trying to kill me.