1. SATAN [an adversary] stood up against Israel and stirred up David to number Israel.
2. David said to Joab and the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me the total, that I may know it.
3. And Joab answered, May the Lord multiply His people a hundred times! But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? Why then does my lord require this? Why will he bring guilt upon Israel?
4. But the king's word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem.