¹⁷ When David saw the angel striking the people, he said to the Lord, “Look, I am the one who has sinned; I am the one^[a] who has done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand be against me and my father’s family.”

¹⁷ David said to God, “Wasn’t I the one who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? My Lord God, please let Your hand be against me and against my father’s family, but don’t let the plague be against Your people.”