Nor do these await aught but a single cry, there being no delay in it. 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 We made the mountains join him in glorifying Us at sunset and sunrise; 18 And the birds assembled; all were turning unto Him. 19 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and just speech. 20 ۞ Has the Story of the Disputants reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber; 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 One of them said, "This is my brother who has ninety-nine ewes when I have only one. He has demanded me to place that one in his custody; he had the stronger argument". 23 Said he, 'Assuredly he has wronged thee in asking for thy ewe in addition to his sheep; and indeed many intermixers do injury one against the other, save those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness -- and how few they are!' And David thought that We had only tried him; therefore he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down, bowing, and he repented. ۩ 24 Thereupon We forgave him his shortcoming and indeed (an exalted position of) nearness awaits him, and an excellent resort. 25 O Da-ud! verily We have appointed thee a vicegerent in the earth, so judge between mankind with truth, and follow not desire, lest it cause thee to err from the path of Allah. Verily those who err from the path of Allah - unto them shall be a severe torment, for they forgat the Day of Reckoning. 26