Contradiction with 2 Samuel 8:13
This verse attributes the victory over the Edomites and the number of slain to David, whereas 1 Chronicles 18:12 attributes it to Abishai.
2 Samuel 8:13: And David gat [him] a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, [being] eighteen thousand [men]. [smiting: Heb. his smiting]
Paradox #1
1 Chronicles 18:12 might have a contradiction with other biblical accounts about the number of enemy soldiers defeated in this battle. In some places, like 2 Samuel 8:13, the number is different, which can create confusion about the precise details of the event. Such differences might suggest inconsistencies in historical records within the Bible.
Paradox #2
There is a potential contradiction between 1 Chronicles 18:12 and 2 Samuel 8:13 regarding who defeated Edom. 1 Chronicles attributes the victory to Abishai, while 2 Samuel credits David. This creates a discrepancy about whose achievement it is. However, some explanations suggest they both played roles in the victory, with one leading and the other carrying out the battle plan.
Paradox #3
The contradiction involves the differing accounts of who defeated the Edomites. In 1 Chronicles 18:12, it is attributed to Abishai, while in 2 Samuel 8:13, it is attributed to David. This inconsistency in attribution is a point of historical conflict.
Paradox #4
The contradiction involves the number of enemy soldiers killed. In 1 Chronicles 18:12, it mentions a specific number, but in 2 Samuel 8:13, a different number is cited for the same event. This inconsistency in numbers between the two accounts leads to confusion about the exact details.