Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:11
God regrets making Saul king, while 1 Samuel 16:22 suggests a favorable position for David in Saul's service.
1 Samuel 15:11: It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:35
Samuel mourns for Saul, indicating a downfall, yet Saul is pleased with David in 1 Samuel 16:22.
1 Samuel 15:35: And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 18:12-15
Saul fears David because the Lord is with him, contrary to Saul’s initial favor towards David.
1 Samuel 18:12-15: And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 19:9-10
Saul tries to kill David, contrasting with Saul's initial approval of David in his service.
1 Samuel 19:9-10: And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with [his] hand.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 20:30-33
Saul's anger towards David and attempts to kill him are in stark contrast to Saul's initial acceptance.
1 Samuel 20:30-33: Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious [woman], do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? [Thou...: or, Thou perverse rebel: Heb. Son of perverse rebellion]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 22:17
Saul orders the killing of the priests for helping David, indicating hostility not present in 1 Samuel 16:22.
1 Samuel 22:17: And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. [footmen: or, guard: Heb. runners]
Paradox #1
In 1 Samuel 16:22, Saul becomes fond of David and keeps him in his service. The inconsistency arises later when Saul seemingly does not recognize David when he fights Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. This can create confusion about Saul's awareness or memory of David.