See in Reader
1.5 KiB
standing between earth and heaven
This is symbolic language to indicate that the angel was sent from Yahweh in heaven to judge the people on the earth. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage)
having a drawn sword in his hand raised over Jerusalem
The angel holding a sword in his hand is a symbolic action that shows he is ready to attack Jerusalem. This is symbolic, because the judgment was sickness. AT: "holding a sword in his hand as if ready to attack Jerusalem" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction)
clothed in sackcloth, lay facedown on the ground
These were symbols of repentance. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction)
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. AT: "I am the one who commanded that the army be numbered." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/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/translate/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. AT: "they certainly have done nothing that deserves punishment." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
Let your hand strike me and my family
Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power to punish. AT: "Punish me and my family" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)