they have only to wait for one single blast [of punishment]: it shall not be delayed by one whit. 15 And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account" 16 Have patience at what they say, and remember our servant David, the man of strength: for he ever turned (to Allah). 17 It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide and at break of day, 18 And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah). 19 And We strengthened his dominion, and bestowed upon him wisdom and sagacity in judgment. 20 ۞ Has the tiding of the dispute come to thee? When they scaled the Sanctuary, 21 When they went in unto Da-ud, he was frightened at them. They said: fear not we are two contending parties; one of us hath oppressed the other, so judge between us with truth, and be not iniquitious, and guide us unto the even path. 22 "This man is my brother: He has nine and ninety ewes, and I have (but) one: Yet he says, 'commit her to my care,' and is (moreover) harsh to me in speech." 23 Da-ud said: assuredly he hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and verily many of the partners oppress each other save such as believe and work righteous works, and few are they. And Da-ud imagined that We had tried him; so he asked forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down bowing and turned in penitence. ۩ 24 So We forgave him that; and verily for him is an approach with us, and a happy retreat. 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