The counting of individuals, usually for the purpose of war or taxation.

Numbers 1:1-4; 26:1-4

Motivations for a census

See also

To count the number of fighting men available

Numbers 1:5-49; 26:5-65
Ezra 2:1-65

For ascertaining those qualified to be included in the Jewish community

Luke 2:2

pp Ne 7:6-67

Acts 5:37

For purposes of taxation

See also

Exodus 30:12
2 Samuel 24:1-9

God's anger at David's unauthorised census

See also

pp 1Ch 21:1-6

David's sin in taking this census was probably that he did so from a motive of self-sufficiency rather than trusting in God.

5577 taxation
5605 warfare
7230 genealogies