Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:11
This verse implies Jesse's sons, including David, were present together with the prophet Samuel, contradicting the notion of David alternating between two locations.
1 Samuel 16:11: And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. [down: Heb. round]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:19-21
These verses state that David served Saul full-time, which contradicts the idea of him returning home to feed his father's sheep.
1 Samuel 16:19-21: Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which [is] with the sheep.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:14
This verse presents David as the youngest but doesn't mention his alternating duties, suggesting he was under Saul's service.
1 Samuel 17:14: And David [was] the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 18:2
This verse indicates that Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home, contradicting David's travels back to tend sheep.
1 Samuel 18:2: And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.
Paradox #1
The contradiction involves the timeline and role of David. In 1 Samuel 16, David is introduced to King Saul and serves as his armor-bearer and musician. However, in 1 Samuel 17, during the story of Goliath, David seems to be unknown to Saul, and he is presented as a young shepherd visiting his brothers, which can create inconsistency regarding their previous relationship and David's introduction to Saul’s court.