Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5249 census

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

Motivations for a census

To count the number of fighting men available

Numbers 1:1-4; Numbers 26:1-4 See also Numbers 1:5-49; Numbers 26:5-65

For ascertaining those qualified to be included in the Jewish community

Ezra 2:1-65 pp Nehemiah 7:6-67

For purposes of taxation

Luke 2:2; Acts 5:37 See also Exodus 30:12

God's anger at David's unauthorised census

2 Samuel 24:1-9 pp 1 Chronicles 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.

See also

5577  taxation
5605  warfare
7230  genealogies