So the king said to Joab, the commander of his army, ‘Go through all the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba and register the troops so I can know their number.’
Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba #– #as numerous as the sand by the sea #– #be gathered to you and that you personally go into battle.
Abner said to David, ‘Let me now go and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you, and you will reign over all you desire.’ So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.