2David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them.
3Joab said, Yahweh make his people a hundred times as many as they are: but, my lord the king, aren`t they all my lord`s servants? why does my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of guilt to Israel?
4Nevertheless the king`s word prevailed against Joab. Why Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
5Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to David. All those of Israel were one million one hundred thousand men who drew sword: and in Judah were four hundred seventy thousand men who drew sword.
6But he didn`t count Levi and Benjamin among them; for the king`s word was abominable to Joab.
7God was displeased with this thing; therefore he struck Israel.
8David said to God, I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing: but now, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.
