4. However, the king overruled Joab. So Joab left, went throughout Israel, and returned to Jerusalem.
5. Joab reported the census figures to David: In Israel there were 1,100,000 men who could serve in the army, and in Judah there were 470,000 who could serve in the army.
6. Joab didn’t include Levi and Benjamin in the number because he was disgusted with the king’s order.
7. God considered the census to be sinful, so he struck Israel ⌊with a plague⌋.
8. David said to God, “I have committed a terrible sin by doing this thing. Forgive me because I have acted very foolishly.”
9. The Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer.
10. “Go and tell David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I’m offering you three choices. Choose the one you want me to do to you.’ ”