Contradiction with 2 Samuel 24:1
This verse states that the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel and incited David to conduct a census, whereas 1 Chronicles 21:17 emphasizes David's responsibility and plea to punish him alone instead of Israel.
2 Samuel 24:1: And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
Paradox #1
This verse might raise questions about divine justice and accountability. Some people might wonder why David's actions led to punishment affecting others, like the people of Israel, instead of just David himself. It may seem inconsistent with the idea of individual responsibility.
Paradox #2
1 Chronicles 21:17 presents a situation where David takes responsibility for a sin that results in punishment for Israel. A possible contradiction here could relate to the concept of fairness in divine justice: why should the people suffer for the fault of their leader? This raises questions about collective punishment and individual accountability in the context of divine actions.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in 1 Chronicles 21:17 can be seen when it is compared to a similar story in 2 Samuel 24. Both passages describe the same event involving David conducting a census of Israel, but there are differences in the details, such as who incited David to take the census. In 1 Chronicles, it says Satan incited David, while in 2 Samuel, it says God incited him. These differences in details can be seen as inconsistencies between the two accounts.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could involve questioning why innocent people suffer consequences for the actions of their leader. It raises issues about collective punishment and whether it is fair for others to pay the price for someone else's decisions.