en_tn_lite_do_not_use/1ch/21/17.md

# Is it not I that commanded that the army be numbered?

David uses this question to emphasize that his is the one who sinned by counting the people. Alternate translation: "I am the one who commanded that the army be numbered." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])

# But these sheep

David speaks of the people of Israel as if they were sheep, who are known for trusting and following their leader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# what have they done?

David uses this question to asks God not to punish the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "they certainly have done nothing that deserves punishment." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])

# Let your hand strike me and my clan

Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power to punish. Alternate translation: "Punish me and my clan" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])