David: Care in judging

The narrative tells of two plaintiffs who came to the place where David was worshipping by climbing over the wall. Their unexpected entry startles him. They tell him not to be afraid, that there is a dispute between them, and that they want him to judge with justice. The encounter brings together trust and the responsibility of judgment.

One of the plaintiffs explains that the other has ninety-nine ewes, while he has only one. He says the other person wants his ewe as well and has prevailed in words. David states that this request is unjust; he recalls that many who enter into partnerships treat each other unfairly, and that those who act well are few.

David realizes that he has been tested by this encounter. He asks for forgiveness from his Lord, bows down, and turns to Him. Afterwards, it is declared that he is forgiven and that there is proximity and a beautiful place of return for him in the presence of Allah. The passage allows for someone in a position of judgment to reflect on themselves.

Finally, David is commanded to judge between people with justice and not to follow his desire. The danger of forgetting the Day of Reckoning is recalled. In this section, the Quran does not mention the names of the plaintiffs or other family stories later associated with the tale. The focus of this text is the responsibility of judgment, self-regulation, forgiveness, and justice.