3
But Joab replied, "May the LORD increase his people a hundred times! Sir, aren't you the king, and aren't they all your servants? Why do you want to do this? Why bring guilt on Israel?"
1
A heavenly Adversary arose against Israel and incited David to count Israel.
2
So David told Joab and the leaders of the people, "Go throughout all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beer-sheba, and take a census of the people so I know how many people there are."
3
But Joab replied, "May the LORD increase his people a hundred times! Sir, aren't you the king, and aren't they all your servants? Why do you want to do this? Why bring guilt on Israel?"
4
But the king overruled Joab, who left and traveled throughout all Israel. When he returned to Jerusalem,
5
he reported to David the total number: there were 1,100,000 men available for military service in all Israel, while Judah alone had 470,000.