If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the <sc>Lordsc>, who then will intercede for him?&#8221; But Eli&#8217;s sons<n id="1" /> would not listen to their father, for the <sc>Lordsc> had decided<n id="2" /> to kill them.p>

<p class="bodytext">So Jonathan spoke on David&#8217;s behalf<n id="1" /> to his father Saul. He said to him, &#8220;The king should not sin against his servant David, for he has not sinned against you. On the contrary, his actions have been very beneficial<n id="2" /> for you.

As far as I am concerned, far be it from me to sin against the <sc>Lordsc> by ceasing to pray for you! I will instruct you in the way that is good and upright.

<p class="bodytext">Now it was reported to Saul, &#8220;Look, the army is sinning against the <sc>Lordsc> by eating even the blood.&#8221; He said, &#8220;All of you have broken the covenant!<n id="1" /> Roll a large stone over here to me.&#8221;

<p class="bodytext">Then Saul said to Samuel, &#8220;I have sinned, for I have disobeyed what the <sc>Lordsc> commanded<n id="1" /> and what you said as well.<n id="2" /> For I was afraid of the army, and I followed their wishes.<n id="3" />

Saul<n id="1" /> again replied, &#8220;I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel. Go back with me so I may worship the <sc>Lordsc> your God.&#8221;

After they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the <sc>Lordsc>. They fasted on that day, and they confessed<n id="1" /> there, &#8220;We have sinned against the <sc>Lordsc>.&#8221; So Samuel led<n id="2" /> the people of Israel at Mizpah.p>

Then they cried out to the <sc>Lordsc> and admitted,<n id="1" /> &#8216;We have sinned, for we have forsaken the <sc>Lordsc> and have served the Baals and the images of Ashtoreth.<n id="2" /> Now deliver us from the hand of our enemies so that we may serve you.&#8217;<n id="3" />

Then Saul said, &#8220;Scatter out among the army and say to them, &#8216;Each of you bring to me your ox and sheep and slaughter them in this spot and eat. But don&#8217;t sin against the <sc>Lordsc> by eating the blood.&#8221; So that night each one brought his ox and slaughtered it there.<n id="1" />

He risked his life<n id="1" /> when he struck down the Philistine and the <sc>Lordsc> gave all Israel a great victory. When you saw it, you were happy. So why would you sin against innocent blood by putting David to death for no reason?&#8221;p>

<p class="bodytext">Saul replied, &#8220;I have sinned. Come back, my son David. I won&#8217;t harm you, for you treated my life with value<n id="1" /> this day. I have behaved foolishly and have made a very terrible mistake!&#8221;<n id="2" />

Look, my father, and see the edge of your robe in my hand! When I cut off the edge of your robe, I didn&#8217;t kill you. So realize and understand that I am not planning<n id="1" /> evil or rebellion. Even though I have not sinned against you, you are waiting in ambush to take my life.