Contradiction with 2 Samuel 24:1
2 Samuel attributes God's anger provoking David to number Israel, contrasting with 1 Chronicles where God is displeased after the act.
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
The theological issue some people see with "1 Chronicles 21:7" is it describes God being displeased with an action that He had a role in, according to other parts of the Bible. This raises questions about God's intentions and the nature of free will versus divine control. It can be confusing because it involves God's involvement in events that lead to punishment, creating a sense of inconsistency in understanding God's character and plan.
Paradox #2
1 Chronicles 21:7 could conflict with 2 Samuel 24:1. In 1 Chronicles, it says God was displeased with David for taking a census, whereas, in 2 Samuel, it says God incited David to do it. This could be seen as a contradiction about whether God prompted the action or was angry about it.
Paradox #3
1 Chronicles 21:7 mentions God's displeasure with David's action of taking a census. A possible inconsistency here is that in 2 Samuel 24, which recounts the same event, it is suggested that God incited David to take the census as a form of punishment, leading to confusion about why God would be angry about something He influenced. This raises questions about the nature of divine will and human responsibility in these texts.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the severity of God's reaction, as it might seem inconsistent with the concept of a just or forgiving deity. This reaction may not align with modern understandings of fairness, as it can appear harsh.