Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:50
This verse shows David defeating Goliath with a sling and stone, contradicting the challenge in 1 Samuel 17:10 where Goliath defies Israel expecting a warrior opponent.
1 Samuel 17:50: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 21:19
This verse attributes the killing of Goliath to Elhanan, contradicting the account of David being the one who kills Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:10.
2 Samuel 21:19: And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam. [Jaareoregim: or, Jair]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:18
This verse describes David as a skillful musician and warrior with favor from the Lord, contradicting the portrayal of David as an inexperienced youth in the face of Goliath's challenge in 1 Samuel 17:10.
1 Samuel 16:18: Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him. [matters: or, speech]
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 23:24-25
These verses refer to other mighty warriors of David's time, which contradicts the narrative in 1 Samuel 17:10 that centers the conflict and potential victory solely on David.
2 Samuel 23:24-25: Asahel the brother of Joab [was] one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
Paradox #1
One historical inconsistency related to this passage could be the different accounts of who killed Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David is credited with killing Goliath, while 2 Samuel 21:19 mentions Elhanan killing a giant named Goliath. This creates confusion about the true identity of Goliath’s slayer.
Paradox #2
The verse involves a challenge to battle, which could raise questions about the morality of violence and conflict. It may seem inconsistent with teachings about peace and love in other parts of the Bible.