Contradiction with Numbers 4:15
This verse mandates that the Kohathites carry the most holy things, including the ark, which contradicts the notion of the Levites no longer needing to carry the tabernacle and its contents as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:26.
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 7:9
This verse states that the sons of Kohath were given no carts or oxen because their duty was to carry the holy things on their shoulders, conflicting with the idea in 1 Chronicles 23:26 of no longer carrying the tabernacle.
Numbers 7:9: But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 10:8
It assigns the Levites the responsibility of bearing the ark of the covenant, showing an enduring duty that appears to be lifted in 1 Chronicles 23:26.
Deuteronomy 10:8: At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
Contradiction with Joshua 3:3
It describes the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people, contrary to the statement in 1 Chronicles 23:26 of not needing to carry it anymore.
Joshua 3:3: And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 15:2
It states that only the Levites are to carry the ark of God, which may seem to conflict with the directive in 1 Chronicles 23:26 about them no longer bearing it.
1 Chronicles 15:2: Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. [None...: Heb. It is not to carry the ark of God, but for the Levites]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 5:4-5
These verses mention the Levites carrying the ark into Solomon’s temple, yet 1 Chronicles 23:26 implies that this responsibility was removed.
2 Chronicles 5:4-5: And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark.
Paradox #1
1 Chronicles 23:26 mentions that the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any items related to its service. A potential contradiction arises because earlier passages in the Bible emphasize the importance of the Levites' role in transporting the tabernacle during the Israelites' time in the wilderness. This change could be seen as inconsistent with those earlier instructions, reflecting an evolution in religious practices and temple worship.
Paradox #2
1 Chronicles 23:26 mentions that the Levites no longer needed to carry the tabernacle or its articles. This could be seen as inconsistent with earlier instructions given in the Torah, where the Levites had specific duties related to the transport and care of the tabernacle and its items during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The change reflects a shift in religious practices and responsibilities after Israel settled in the Promised Land and the temple replaced the tabernacle as the central place of worship.
Paradox #3
1 Chronicles 23:26 mentions that the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or its furnishings. This could seem contradictory when compared to earlier instructions in the Bible, particularly in the books of Exodus and Numbers, where the Levites were specifically tasked with carrying the tabernacle and its items during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The change reflects a transition from the movable tabernacle to the permanent temple in Jerusalem, but it might appear inconsistent with previous practices and roles assigned to the Levites.