Nor do these await aught but a single cry, there being no delay in it. 15 And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account" 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 With him We had subjected the mountains that they join him in celebrating Allah's glory, evening and morning, 18 and the birds, too, gathered each obedient to him. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, giving him wisdom and the power of sound Judgment. 20 ۞ Has the story of the litigants reached you -- of those who entered his private chambers by climbing over the wall? 21 As they came upon David, and he shrank back in fear from them, they said: "Fear not! [We are but] two litigants. One of us has wronged the other: so judge thou between us with justice, and deviate not from what is right, and show [both of] us the way to rectitude. 22 Indeed this, my brother, has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, 'Entrust her to me,' and he overpowered me in speech." 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 he has a near place with Us and a fine return. 25 "O David, We have made you trustee on the earth. So judge between men equitably, and do not follow your lust lest it should lead you astray from the way of God. Surely for those who go astray from the way of God, is severe punishment, for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning. 26