Contradiction with 2 Samuel 16:17
Ahithophel was a counselor to Absalom, yet later he turns against David, indicating loyalty can shift, contradicting with the continuity of Absalom's following.
2 Samuel 16:17: And Absalom said to Hushai, [Is] this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 15:12
Absalom's following was initially strong with conspirators, implying continuous strong support which contradicts later actions of shifting allegiances.
2 Samuel 15:12: And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 18:16
David is loved by all Israel and Judah, showing a contradiction to the idea that Absalom could win the hearts of Israel against David.
1 Samuel 18:16: But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 19:9-10
The tribes argue over bringing back David, showing division and contradiction to a united front with Absalom.
2 Samuel 19:9-10: And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 2:15
Adonijah also claims kingship with followers, showing contradiction as it emphasizes a recurring theme of divided loyalty, not singular support for Absalom.
1 Kings 2:15: And he said, Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and [that] all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: howbeit the kingdom is turned about, and is become my brother's: for it was his from the LORD.