Contradiction with 1 Samuel 9:2
Saul was described as a choice young man, implying a similar physical description to David's in 1 Samuel 16:12, but Saul's reign ended in failure.
1 Samuel 9:2: And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and [there was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people.
Contradiction with Isaiah 53:2
While David is described as handsome, this verse speaks of the Messiah having no beauty or majesty to attract others.
Isaiah 53:2: For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 10:10
This verse implies that Paul was unimpressive in person, contrasting with David's handsome appearance in 1 Samuel 16:12.
2 Corinthians 10:10: For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible. [say they: Gr. saith he]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22
God emphasizes obedience over appearance, contradicting the focus on David's appearance as a reason for his anointing.
1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.
Contradiction with John 7:24
Teaches not to judge by appearance, which contradicts the emphasis on David's looks in his anointing.
John 7:24: Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Paradox #1
One potential inconsistency in the story around this verse is that Saul didn't recognize David when he later plays the harp for him, even though David had already been anointed by Samuel. This could suggest a continuity issue in the narrative regarding how familiar Saul was with David earlier on.