Contradiction with Numbers 4:15
This verse states that only the sons of Kohath were to carry the sacred items, while 1 Chronicles 16:38 includes Obed-edom and his sons.
Numbers 4:15: And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Contradiction with Numbers 18:7
This verse indicates that only priests can perform duties associated with the sanctuary, contrasting with Obed-edom, who was not a priest, serving in the same area according to 1 Chronicles 16:38.
Numbers 18:7: Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 15:18
Here, Obed-edom is listed as a gatekeeper, but 1 Chronicles 16:38 suggests he also served before the ark, indicating differing roles.
1 Chronicles 15:18: And with them their brethren of the second [degree], Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 6:10-11
In this account, the ark is in the house of Obed-edom, whereas 1 Chronicles 16:38 indicates it is placed in a tent David prepared.
2 Samuel 6:10-11: So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 7:1-2
This passage mentions the ark remaining in Kiriath-jearim for twenty years under Eleazar, which differs from the situation involving Obed-edom in 1 Chronicles 16:38.
1 Samuel 7:1-2: And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.