1
And Satan stood up against Israel, and incited David to number Israel.
2
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know [it].
3
And Joab answered, the LORD make his people a hundred times more numerous than they [are]: but, my lord the king, [are] they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
4
Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
5
And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and a hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah [was] four hundred and seventy thousand men that drew sword.
6
But Levi and Benjamin he counted not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.
7
And God was displeased with this thing, therefore he smote Israel.
8
And David said to God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.