Contradiction with 2 Samuel 24:1
This verse describes God moving David to number Israel, which appears to contradict 1 Chronicles 27:23, where David refrains from numbering those under 20 due to God's promise.
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.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 24:10
This verse shows David feeling guilty after numbering the people, whereas in 1 Chronicles 27:23, it's implied the numbering was restrained by divine faithfulness.
2 Samuel 24:10: And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
Contradiction with Numbers 1:2-3
This directive commands a census of the people, seemingly contradicting the restraint shown in 1 Chronicles 27:23.
Numbers 1:2-3: Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of [their] names, every male by their polls;
Contradiction with Exodus 30:11-12
This passage permits a census when conducted with a ransom for each soul to avoid plague, differing from the reluctance in 1 Chronicles 27:23.
Exodus 30:11-12: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:10-11
Here, God promises to multiply Israel greatly, which contrasts with 1 Chronicles 27:23, where numbering is limited due to the fulfillment of this promise.
Deuteronomy 1:10-11: The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye [are] this day as the stars of heaven for multitude.
Paradox #1
1 Chronicles 27:23 mentions that David did not count men under the age of twenty. This seems to contradict the earlier account in 2 Samuel 24, where David's census incited God's anger, leading to a devastating plague. The contradiction lies in why the act of counting was problematic—whether it was David's motivation, the action itself, or who was counted. These narratives can be seen as inconsistent in explaining why God was displeased, leading to possible theological confusion about God's nature and expectations.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction with 1 Chronicles 27:23 could arise when comparing it to earlier biblical instructions regarding the counting of the people, such as those found in Exodus. In some places, counting the people is limited or forbidden without following specific instructions from God, such as collecting a ransom to avoid a plague. The verse might appear inconsistent if it seems to break these earlier commands, raising questions about obedience to divine instructions.
Paradox #3
1 Chronicles 27:23 mentions that David did not count those under twenty years old. This could be seen as conflicting with the more detailed census accounts in other parts of the Bible, such as in 2 Samuel 24, where a census conducted by David leads to negative consequences. The contradiction lies in the significance and aftermath of these censuses, as well as the apparent instructions not to count certain groups at different times.
Paradox #4
The numerical inconsistency with "1 Chronicles 27:23" lies in the broader context of the biblical texts where it might seem to differ from other passages regarding census instructions or figures. Specifically, this verse mentions not counting those under a certain age, while other parts of the Bible reference counting all people or give different instructions for a census. This could cause confusion when trying to reconcile all the details across different passages.