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 share (of chastisement) before the Day of Reckoning.” 16 Bear patiently with what they say, and remember Our worshiper David, a man of might. He was ever turning in repentance. 17 We made the mountains join him in glorifying Us in the evening and in the morning. 18 And the birds gathered together; all joined in singing with him. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, giving him wisdom and the power of sound Judgment. 20 ۞ And hath the tidings of the contending parties reached thee, when they walled the apartment? 21 When they came before David, he was frightened of them. "Do not be afraid," they said. "The two of us are disputing the wrong one has done the other. So judge between us with equity, and do not be unjust, and guide us to the right path. 22 'Behold, this my brother has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe. So he said, "Give her into my charge"; and he overcame me in the argument.' 23 (David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented. ۩ 24 Therefore We rectified for him this, and most surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent resort. 25 We said, "David, We have given you mastery over the land. Judge fairly between people. Do not follow your desires, lest they divert you from God's path: those who wander from His path will have a severe punishment, because they ignore the Day of Reckoning." 26