Nor do these await aught but a single cry, there being no delay in it. 15 They say: “Our Lord, hasten to us our share (of chastisement) before the Day of Reckoning.” 16 Have patience upon what they say, and remember Our bondman Dawud, the one blessed with favours; he is indeed most inclined (towards His Lord). 17 Lo! We subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and sunrise, 18 and [likewise] the birds in their assemblies: [together] they all would turn again and again unto Him [who had created them]. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision. 20 ۞ Has the tiding of the dispute come to thee? When they scaled the Sanctuary, 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 One of them said, "This is my brother who has ninety-nine ewes when I have only one. He has demanded me to place that one in his custody; he had the stronger argument". 23 He (David) replied: 'He has without doubt wronged you in seeking to add your ewe to his sheep. Many intermixers wrong one another; except those who believe, and do good works, and they are few indeed' David realized that We had tried him and sought the forgiveness of his Lord and fell down, prostrate and repented. ۩ 24 So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return. 25 'David, behold, We have appointed thee a viceroy in the earth; therefore judge between men justly, and follow not caprice, lest it lead thee astray from the way of God. Surely those who go astray from the way of God -- there awaits them a terrible chastisement, for that they have forgotten the Day of Reckoning.' 26