¹³ No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.^{(A) 15} Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.^(B)

David’s Military Census

24 The Lord’s anger burned against Israel again, and he stirred up David against them to say, “Go, count the people of Israel and Judah.”^(A)

² 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.”^(B)

³ Joab replied to the king, “May the Lord your God multiply the troops a hundred times more than they are^(C)—while my lord the king looks on! But why does my lord the king want to do this?”

⁴ Yet the king’s order prevailed over Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army left the king’s presence to register the troops of Israel.

David’s Military Census

21 Satan^[a](A) rose up against Israel and incited David^(B) to count the people of Israel. ² So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count Israel from Beer-sheba to Dan and bring a report to me so I can know their number.”^(C)

³ Joab replied, “May the Lord multiply the number of his people a hundred times over!^(D) My lord the king, aren’t they all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?”

⁵ You are being guarded by God’s power^(A) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.^{(B) 6} You rejoice in this,^[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials^{(C) 7} so that the proven character of your faith^(D)—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire^(E)—may result^(F) in praise, glory, and honor^(G) at the revelation of Jesus Christ.^{(H) 8} Though you have not seen^(I) him, you love him;^(J) though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice^(K) with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Our Great High Priest

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.^{(A) 15} For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are,^(B) yet without sin.^{(C) 16} Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.