they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 They say: "Our Lord! hasten to us our sentence (even) before the Day of Account!" 16 Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant David, the man of might; he was a penitent. 17 It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide and at break of day, 18 and [likewise] the birds in their assemblies: [together] they all would turn again and again unto Him [who had created them]. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech. 20 ۞ Have you heard the news of the disputing parties who climbed the walls of the prayer room 21 When they entered upon David, so he feared them – they said, “Do not fear! We are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge fairly between us and do not judge unjustly – and show us the right way.” 22 Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered me in speech. 23 David said: “He has certainly wronged you in seeking to add your ewe to his ewes; and indeed many who live together commit excesses, one to the other, except those that believe and act righteously; and they are but few.” (While so saying) David realized that it is We Who have put him to test; therefore, he sought the forgiveness of his Lord, and fell down, bowing and penitently turning (to Him). ۩ 24 Accordingly We forgave him that, and he has a near place in Our presence and a fair resort. 25 We told him. "David, We have appointed you as Our deputy on earth so judge among the people with truth. Do not follow (worldly) desires lest you go astray from the way of God. Those who go astray from the way of God will suffer severe torment for forgetting the Day of Reckoning. 26