Contradiction with Exodus 30:10
This verse states that Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of the altar, which implies a need to perform ritual practices at the altar, contrasting with David's reluctance to go before it in 1 Chronicles 21:30.
Exodus 30:10: And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 21:26
This verse describes David building an altar and offering sacrifices, in contrast to 1 Chronicles 21:30 where David is afraid to go before the altar due to the angel of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 21:26: And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:29
Here, Solomon acknowledges that the LORD's presence is in the temple, implying accessibility to God, contrasting with David's fear to approach the altar due to the angel's presence in 1 Chronicles 21:30.
1 Kings 8:29: That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. [toward this place: or, in this place]
Contradiction with Hebrews 4:16
This verse encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, contrasting with David’s fear to approach the altar of God.
Hebrews 4:16: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Contradiction with Isaiah 56:7
This verse speaks of God's house being a house of prayer for all people, implying openness and access, in contrast to David’s fear and inability to go to the altar.
Isaiah 56:7: Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Paradox #1
1 Chronicles 21:30 mentions David's fear of God preventing him from going to the tabernacle, despite God's previous command to build an altar there. The contradiction can be seen in the expectation that divine commands should be followed without fear, yet David's fear stops him, raising questions about obeying divine directives versus human emotion.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this case might relate to the difference in accounts between 1 Chronicles 21 and 2 Samuel 24. Both describe the same event but contain variations in details. For example, there are differences in the reasons for David's census and the resulting punishment. Such inconsistencies can lead to questions about the exact historical context or events described.