Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:39
David was not comfortable with Saul's armor, suggesting he was untrained in its use, whereas in 1 Samuel 17:38, Saul's armor is offered as a customary practice to prepare for battle, implying it was suitable for David.
1 Samuel 17:39: And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved [it]. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved [them]. And David put them off him.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 22:35
This verse claims God teaches hands to war, implying divine support in battle skills, conflicting with the implication in 1 Samuel 17:38 that material protection like armor is necessary.
2 Samuel 22:35: He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. [to war: Heb. for the war]
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:11
Encourages putting on the "whole armor of God" for spiritual battles, contrast against the physical armor offered to David in 1 Samuel 17:38, suggesting physical protection might not suffice.
Ephesians 6:11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:9-10
Jesus instructs not to take extra provisions for mission, at odds with the provision of full armor in 1 Samuel 17:38, emphasizing reliance on faith rather than material preparation.
Matthew 10:9-10: Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [Provide: or, Get]
Contradiction with Isaiah 31:1
Warns against relying on physical strength or equipment instead of seeking the Lord, presenting a philosophical contradiction to arming David with physical armor in 1 Samuel 17:38.
Isaiah 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Contradiction with Psalm 20:7
States trust should be in the Lord rather than in chariots or horses, subtly contradictory to the emphasis on utilizing armor in 1 Samuel 17:38 for battle readiness.
Psalm 20:7: Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Paradox #1
The possible doctrinal inconsistency with 1 Samuel 17:38 could relate to the idea of relying on human methods versus faith in God. In this verse, David is given armor for battle, but he later chooses not to wear it, trusting instead in God for victory. This can raise questions about the balance between using available resources and faith in divine intervention.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 17:38 describes how Saul dressed David in his own armor for battle. The contradiction here could be that while Saul wanted to protect David with armor, it symbolized a lack of faith in God's power to protect and give victory without human means. David later rejects the armor, showing trust in God rather than in physical protection. This conflict highlights a tension between relying on human resources versus trusting in divine assistance.