they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 As it is, they say [mockingly]: "O our Sustainer! Hasten on to us our share [of punishment even] before the Day of Reckoning!" 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 the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises]. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech. 20 ۞ Have you heard of the litigants who jumped over the wall into his chamber? 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 This man here is my brother. He has ninety and nine ewes while I have only one. He demands that I should give him my ewe, and wants to get the better of me in argument." 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 So We forgave him. He has surely a high rank with Us and an excellent place of return. 25 [And We said:] "O David! Behold, We have made thee a [prophet and thus, Our] vicegerent on earth: judge, then, between men with justice, and do not follow vain desire, lest it lead thee astray from the path of God: verily, for those who go astray from the path of God there is suffering severe in store for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning!" 26