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 With him We had subjected the mountains that they join him in celebrating Allah's glory, evening and morning, 18 and the birds, too, in their flocks, and turn again and again to celebrating Allah's glory. 19 We strengthened his kingdom, giving him wisdom and the power of sound Judgment. 20 ۞ Have you heard of the litigants who jumped over the wall into his chamber? 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 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 And thereupon We forgave him that [sin]: and verily, nearness to Us awaits him [in the life to come,] and the most beauteous of all goals! 25 'David, behold, We have appointed thee a viceroy in the earth; therefore judge between men justly, and follow not caprice, lest it lead thee astray from the way of God. Surely those who go astray from the way of God -- there awaits them a terrible chastisement, for that they have forgotten the Day of Reckoning.' 26