Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:35
This verse shows Samuel mourning for Saul, while in 1 Samuel 21:1, David is receiving aid from the priest, which indirectly contributes to the tension between Saul and David.
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 22:17
Contradicts the perception of the priests of Nob being in alignment with David, as this verse depicts their massacre by Saul for supposedly aiding David.
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]
Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Contradicts the later outcome due to David’s actions, as 1 Samuel 21:1 sets in motion events (helping David) that lead to the death of the priests, violating "Thou shalt not kill."
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Psalm 23:1
While this verse emphasizes trust and provision from God, David's seeking provision and help from a priest may appear contradictory to the total reliance suggested in the psalm.
Psalm 23:1: [A Psalm of David.] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:3-4
In this New Testament perspective, Jesus refers to David eating the showbread, highlighting a deviation from lawfulness, while 1 Samuel 21:1 is more neutral about this act.
Matthew 12:3-4: But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:7
Suggests that when a man's ways please the Lord, even his enemies would be at peace with him, contrasting the conflict between Saul and David that is evident in 1 Samuel 21:1.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Paradox #1
There is a historical inconsistency between 1 Samuel 21:1 and Mark 2:26 regarding who was the high priest when David ate the showbread. In 1 Samuel, Ahimelech is mentioned as the high priest, while in Mark, it mentions Abiathar. This creates a contradiction about who was actually the high priest during that event.