And these wait but for one shout, wherefrom there will be no deferment. 15 They say: “Our Lord, hasten to us our share (of chastisement) before the Day of Reckoning.” 16 Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant Dawood, the possessor of power; surely he was frequent in returning (to Allah). 17 Lo! We subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and sunrise, 18 and the birds, too, gathered each obedient to him. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision. 20 ۞ And hath the story of the litigants come unto thee? How they climbed the wall into the royal chamber; 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 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 And thereupon We forgave him that [sin]: and verily, nearness to Us awaits him [in the life to come,] and the most beauteous of all goals! 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