Then he said, I have sinned: yet honor me now, Please, before the elders of my people, and before Yisra'el, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.
The Lord said, *Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a mitzvah of men which has been taught;
Then said Sha'ul, I have sinned: return, my son David; for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.