2 Samuel 24

The Lord allows Satan to incite David to take a census of the fighting men of Israel and Judah. This act demonstrates David's pride and reliance on military strength rather than God. Joab objects, but David insists. After the census is completed, David immediately feels deep guilt and confesses his sin. God gives David three choices for punishment: three years of famine, three months of fleeing enemies, or three days of pestilence. David chooses the pestilence, and seventy thousand men die. David builds an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and the plague stops.