4. But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem
5. and reported the number of people to David. There were 1,100,000 warriors in all Israel who could handle a sword, and 470,000 in Judah.
6. But Joab did not include the tribes of Levi and Benjamin in the census because he was so distressed at what the king had made him do.
7. God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it.
8. Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”
9. Then the lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer. This was the message:
10. “Go and say to David, ‘This is what the lord says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.’”
11. So Gad came to David and said, “These are the choices the lord has given you.