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 Bear patiently with what they say, and remember Our worshiper David, a man of might. He was ever turning in repentance. 17 [and for this,] behold, We caused the mountains to join him in extolling Our limitless glory at eventide and at sunrise, 18 and the birds, too, in flocks, all turned to Him. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and just speech. 20 ۞ And has there come to you the story of the litigants, when they made an entry into the private chamber by ascending over the walls? 21 and entered where David was (praying). He was frightened, so they said, "Do not be afraid. We are only two disputing parties of which one of us has transgressed against the other. Judge between us with truth and justice and guide us to the right path". 22 Surely this is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes and I have a single ewe; but he said: Make it over to me, and he has prevailed against me in discourse. 23 David said, "He has certainly wronged you by demanding that your ewe be added to his ewes! Thus many partners wrong one another -- [all] save those who believe [in God] and do righteous deeds: but how few are they!" And [suddenly] David understood that We were only putting him to the test, and so he asked his Lord to forgive him his sins; he fell to his knees, and turned to Him in repentance. ۩ 24 So We forgave him. He has surely a high rank with Us and an excellent place of return. 25 [We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account. 26