2
David said to Joab and the leaders of the people, "Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan. Bring me [the results] so that I may know how many [people] there are."
3
Joab responded, "May the LORD multiply his people a hundred times over. But, Your Majesty, aren't they all your servants? Why are you trying to do this? Why do you wish to make Israel guilty of [this] sin?"
4
However, the king overruled Joab. So Joab left, went throughout Israel, and returned to Jerusalem.
5
Joab reported the census figures to David: In Israel there were 1,100,000 men who could serve in the army, and in Judah there were 470,000 who could serve in the army.
6
Joab didn't include Levi and Benjamin in the number because he was disgusted with the king's order.