Common English Bible

1 Chronicles 21:1-4 Common English Bible (CEB)

1. A heavenly Adversary arose against Israel and incited David to count Israel.

2. So David told Joab and the leaders of the people, "Go throughout all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beer-sheba, and take a census of the people so I know how many people there are."

3. But Joab replied, "May the Lord increase his people a hundred times! Sir, aren’t you the king, and aren’t they all your servants? Why do you want to do this? Why bring guilt on Israel?"

4. But the king overruled Joab, who left and traveled throughout all Israel. When he returned to Jerusalem,