en_tn/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)