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1 And an adversary stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. 2 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.| 3 Joab said, |May the LORD 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?| 4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. 5 Joab 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. 6 But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them; for the king's word was abominable to Joab. 7 God was displeased with this thing; therefore he struck Israel. 8 David 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.| 1 Chronicles 21:1-8, New Heart English Bible. Public domain.
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