1 Chronicles 21:1-12 ▼

1 Satan attempted to attack Israel by provoking David to count the Israelites.

2 David said to Joab and the leaders of the people, |Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan. Bring me [the results] so that I may know how many [people] there are.|

3 Joab responded, |May the LORD multiply his people a hundred times over. But, Your Majesty, aren't they all your servants? Why are you trying to do this? Why do you wish to make Israel guilty of [this] sin?|

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.'|

11 When Gad came to David, he said, |This is what the LORD says: 'Take your pick:

12 either three years of famine, or three months during which your enemies will chase you away when their swords catch up to you, or three days of the LORD's sword-a plague in the land with the Messenger of the LORD destroying the whole country of Israel.' Decide what answer I should give the one who sent me.|