1 Paralipomenon Chapter 21

David's sin in numbering the people is punished by a pestilence: which ceaseth upon his offering sacrifice in the thrashingfloor of Ornan.

21:1. And Satan rose up against Israel: and moved David to number Israel.

21:2. 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.

21:3. And Joab answered: The Lord make his people a hundred times more than they are: but, my lord the king, are they not all thy servants: why doth my lord seek this thing, which may be imputed as a sin to Israel?

21:4. But the king's word rather prevailed: and Joab departed, and went through all Israel: and returned to Jerusalem.

21:5. And he gave David the number of them, whom he had surveyed: and all the number of Israel was found to be eleven hundred thousand men that drew the sword: and of Juda four hundred and seventy thousand fighting men.

The number, etc… The difference of the numbers here and 2 Kings 24. is to be accounted for, by supposing the greater number to be that which was really found, and the lesser to be that which Joab gave in.

21:6. But Levi and Benjamin he did not number: for Joab unwillingly executed the king's orders.

21:7. And God was displeased with this thing that was commanded: and he struck Israel.