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 before the Day of Recompense' 16 Bear with what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah). 17 Lo! We subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and sunrise, 18 and the birds, too, in flocks, all turned to Him. 19 We made his kingdom strong and gave him wisdom and decisive speech. 20 ۞ Have you heard the story of the disputants who entered his chamber by climbing over the wall? 21 When they reached David, he took fright, but they said, "Do not be afraid. We are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: judge between us fairly, do not be unjust, and guide us to the right path. 22 Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered me in speech. 23 [Dawud (David)] said (immediately without listening to the opponent): "He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few." And Dawud (David) guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to Allah) in repentance. ۩ 24 So We forgave him that, and verily, for him is a near access to Us, and a good place of (final) return (Paradise). 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