⁶ David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning^(A) him; each one was bitter^(B) in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength^(C) in the Lord his God.

⁹ Then Abishai^(A) son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog^(B) curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”^(C)

¹⁰ But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?^(D) If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”^(E)

¹¹ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son,^(F) my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.^{(G) 12} It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery^(H) and restore to me his covenant blessing^(I) instead of his curse today.^(J)”