1 Chronicles 21:2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number."

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◄ 1 Chronicles 21:2 ►

New International Version
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.”

New Living Translation
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.”

English Standard Version
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.”

Berean Standard Bible
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”

King James Bible
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

New King James Version
So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.”

New American Standard Bible
So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me word so that I may know their number.”

NASB 1995
So David 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 their number.”

NASB 1977
So David 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 their number.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their total count.”

Amplified Bible
So David said to Joab and the leaders of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me their total, so that I may know it.”

Christian Standard Bible
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan and bring a report to me so I can know their number.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan and bring a report to me so I can know their number.”

American Standard Version
And David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them.

Contemporary English Version
David told Joab and the army commanders, "Count everyone in Israel, from the town of Beersheba in the south all the way north to Dan. Then I will know how many people can serve in my army."

English Revised Version
And David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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."

Good News Translation
David gave orders to Joab and the other officers, "Go through Israel, from one end of the country to the other, and count the people. I want to know how many there are."

International Standard Version
David ordered Joab and the commanders of the army, "Go take a census of Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan, and bring me a report so I can be aware of the total number."

Majority Standard Bible
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”

NET Bible
David told Joab and the leaders of the army, "Go, count the number of warriors from Beer Sheba to Dan. Then bring back a report to me so I may know how many we have."

New Heart English Bible
And David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, "Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know how many there are.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and David says to Joab and to the heads of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beer-Sheba even to Dan, and bring [the account] to me, and I know their number.”

Young's Literal Translation
And David saith unto Joab, and unto the heads of the people, 'Go, number Israel from Beer-Sheba even unto Dan, and bring unto me, and I know their number.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say to Joab and to the chiefs of the people, Go number Israel from the well of the oath even to judgment, and bring to me and I shall know their number.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And David said to Joab, and to the rulers of the people: Go, and number Israel from Bersabee even to Dan, and bring me the number of them that I may know it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people: “Go, and number Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan. And bring me the number, so that I may know it.”

New American Bible
David therefore said to Joab and to the other generals of the army, “Go, number the Israelites from Beer-sheba to Dan, and report back to me that I may know their number.”

New Revised Standard Version
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beer-sheba to Dan, and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So David said to Joab the son of Zuriah and to the princes of the people, Go, number the people of Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and come back to me, that I may know the number of the people.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said to Yuab, son of Tsuria, and to the Princes of the people: “Go and number the people of Israel from Ber Sheba and unto Dan, and come to me, and I shall know the number of the people.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And David 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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And king David said to Joab and to the captains of the forces, Go, number Israel from Bersabee even to Dan, and bring me the account, and I shall know their number.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David's Military Census
1Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” 3But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 24:1-2
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” / So the king said to Joab the commander of his army, who was with him, “Go now throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and register the troops, so that I may know their number.”

Exodus 30:12
“When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered.

Numbers 1:2-3
“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.

Numbers 26:2
“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by the houses of their fathers—all those twenty years of age or older who can serve in the army of Israel.”

2 Samuel 24:10
After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”

1 Chronicles 27:23-24
David did not count the men aged twenty or under, because the LORD had said that He would make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky. / Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David.

2 Samuel 24:9
And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000.

1 Kings 3:8-9
Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. / Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

1 Kings 20:27
The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.

Psalm 147:10-11
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. / The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.

Matthew 10:30
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Luke 12:7
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Acts 1:15
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said,

Romans 11:4
And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel:

Treasury of Scripture

And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

Joab

2 Samuel 24:2-4
For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people…

Beer-sheba

Judges 20:1
Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

1 Samuel 3:20
And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

2 Samuel 3:10
To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.

bring

1 Chronicles 17:23,24
Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said…

that I may

Deuteronomy 8:13-17
And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; …

2 Chronicles 32:25,26
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem…

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

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Army Beersheba Beer-Sheba Captains Commanders Count Dan David Go Heads Israel Israelites Joab Jo'ab Numbered Princes Report Rulers Sum Troops Word

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Army Beersheba Beer-Sheba Captains Commanders Count Dan David Go Heads Israel Israelites Joab Jo'ab Numbered Princes Report Rulers Sum Troops Word

1 Chronicles 21

1. David, tempted by Satan, forces Joab to number the people
5. The number of the people being brought, David repents of it
9. David having three plagues proposed by God, chooses the pestilence
14. After the death of 70,000, David by repentance prevents the destruction of Jerusalem
18. David, by Gad's direction, purchases Ornan's threshing floor;
26. where having built an altar, God gives a sign of his favor by fire.
28. David sacrifices there, being restrained from Gibeon by fear of the angel

Berean Study Bible

So David said
This phrase introduces the central figure, King David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The Hebrew root for "said" is אָמַר (amar), which often implies a command or authoritative statement. David's directive here is significant because it reflects a moment of human weakness and pride, as he seeks to quantify his military strength rather than relying on God's provision and protection.

to Joab and the commanders of the troops
Joab, David's nephew and the commander of his army, is a complex character known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. The "commanders of the troops" indicates the military leadership structure in Israel, highlighting the organized and hierarchical nature of David's kingdom. This phrase underscores the gravity of David's command, as it involves the highest levels of military authority.

Go, count the Israelites
The act of counting, or taking a census, in this context is significant. The Hebrew word for "count" is פָּקַד (paqad), which can mean to number, muster, or appoint. In the ancient Near East, censuses were often conducted for military or taxation purposes. However, in Israel, such actions were to be directed by God (Exodus 30:12), and David's initiative here reflects a departure from divine instruction, suggesting a reliance on human strength.

from Beersheba to Dan
This phrase describes the geographical extent of the census, from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north, effectively covering the entire nation of Israel. It is a common biblical expression denoting the full span of the land (Judges 20:1). This comprehensive scope indicates David's desire to assess the total military capability of his kingdom, further emphasizing his focus on human resources.

and bring me a report
The request for a report, or a written account, signifies David's intention to have a tangible record of his nation's strength. The Hebrew root for "report" is דָּבָר (dabar), which can mean word, matter, or thing. This desire for documentation reflects a shift towards administrative control and a potential lack of trust in God's sovereignty.

so that I may know their number
David's motivation is revealed in his desire to "know" the number of his people. The Hebrew word for "know" is יָדַע (yada), which implies an intimate understanding or awareness. This pursuit of knowledge, in this context, is not for God's glory but for personal assurance and pride. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-reliance and the temptation to measure success by worldly standards rather than spiritual faithfulness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) And to the rulers (captains) of the people.--Omitted in Samuel, which reads, "Joab, the captain of the host, who was with him." The "captains of the host" are, however, associated in the work of the census with Joab (2Samuel 24:4). The fact that Joab and his staff were deputed to take the census seems to prove that it was of a military character.

Go.--Plural.

Number.--Enrol, or register (sifr-). A different word (m?n?h) is used in 1Chronicles 21:1, and in the parallel place. Samuel has, "Run over, I pray, all the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba," using the very word (sh-t) which, in the prologue of Job (1Chronicles 1:7; 1Chronicles 2:2) Satan uses of his own wanderings over the earth.

From Beersheba even to Dan.--As if the party were to proceed from south to north. (See 1Chronicles 21:4.) The reverse order is usual. (See Judges 20:1; 1Samuel 3:20.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - And to the rulers of the people. So Numbers 1:4, "And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers" (see also 1 Chronicles 27:22-24; 2 Samuel 24:4, 5).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So David
דָּוִ֤יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joab
יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

and the commanders
שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the troops,
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

“Go,
לְכ֗וּ (lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

count
סִפְרוּ֙ (sip̄·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

the Israelites
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

from
מִבְּאֵ֥ר (mib·bə·’êr)
Preposition
Strong's Hebrew

Beersheba
שֶׁ֖בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 884: Beersheba -- 'well of seven', a place in the Negev

to
וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Dan
דָּ֑ן (dān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1835: Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel

and bring
וְהָבִ֣יאוּ (wə·hā·ḇî·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

me
אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

a report,
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

so that I may know
וְאֵדְעָ֖ה (wə·’ê·ḏə·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

their number.”
מִסְפָּרָֽם׃ (mis·pā·rām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration

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OT History: 1 Chronicles 21:2 David said to Joab and to (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)