they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 Still they say: "O Lord, give us our share before the Day of Reckoning." 16 (O Prophet), bear with patience what they say, and call to mind Our servant David, who was endowed with great strength and who constantly turned (to Allah). 17 Surely We made the mountains to sing the glory (of Allah) in unison with him at the evening and the sunrise, 18 And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises]. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech. 20 ۞ Has the story of the litigants reached you -- of those who entered his private chambers by climbing over the wall? 21 When they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them? They said, "Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path. 22 Verily this my brother hath nine and ninety ewes while I have one ewe; and he saith: entrust it to me, and he hath prevailed upon me in speech. 23 David said, "He has certainly been unjust in demanding your ewe from you. Most partners transgress against each other except for the righteously striving believers who are very few." David realized that it was a test from Us so he asked forgiveness from his Lord and knelt down before him in repentance. ۩ 24 We therefore forgave him this; and indeed for him in Our presence are, surely, proximity and an excellent abode. 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