1 Chronicles 21:1-7
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[1] Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. [2] David said to Joab and to the princes 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, Yahweh 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 didn't 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.
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Dan and Beersheba marked Israel’s traditional northern and southern limits, so Joab’s census was intended to encompass the whole nation. Jerusalem was David’s capital, while Gibeon was a major worship center; the census’s reach and purpose concerned Israel under David’s God-given kingship.
Places in this passage
1 Chronicles 21:1-7 mentions Beersheba, Dan, Gibeon and Jerusalem.
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