4
But the king's word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel, and came back to Jerusalem.
5
Joab gave the total count of the people to David. In all Israel there were one million one hundred thousand men who drew the sword, and in Judah four hundred seventy thousand who drew the sword.
6
But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king's command was abhorrent to Joab.
7
But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel.
8
David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, I pray you, take away the guilt of your servant; for I have done very foolishly."
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.