4. But King David made Joab follow his order. So Joab left and went through all Israel, counting the people. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
5. He told David how many people there were. In Israel there were 1,100,000 men who could use a sword. And there were 470,000 men in Judah who could use a sword.
6. But Joab did not count the tribes of Levi and Benjamin. He didn’t count them because he didn’t like King David’s order.
7. David had done something God had said was wrong. So God punished Israel.
8. Then David said to God, “I have done something very foolish. It was a terrible sin. Now, I beg you to forgive me, your servant.”