Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 18:4
This verse states that David took 7,000 horsemen, whereas 2 Samuel 8:4 states he took 700 horsemen.
1 Chronicles 18:4: And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot [horses], but reserved of them an hundred chariots. [seven...: or, seven hundred]
Paradox #1
Some people point out a contradiction between 2 Samuel 8:4 and 1 Chronicles 18:4, where the number of horses captured by David is different in each account. This discrepancy suggests a possible disagreement in the details of the event as reported in the two books.
Paradox #2
One historical inconsistency involves the number of horsemen mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:4. In this verse, it states that David captured 1,700 horsemen. However, in 1 Chronicles 18:4, a similar account mentions 7,000 horsemen were captured. This difference in numbers can cause confusion and appears to be a discrepancy between the two records.
Paradox #3
The contradiction might arise from the treatment of captured horses and the practice of hamstringing them. Some might see a conflict between this action and the teachings of kindness and compassion. Others might question why such actions are acceptable in a broader biblical context that often promotes preservation and care for creation.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in "2 Samuel 8:4" comes from comparing it to "1 Chronicles 18:4." In "2 Samuel 8:4," it says that David captured 1,700 horsemen, while "1 Chronicles 18:4" says he captured 7,000 horsemen. This is a discrepancy in the numbers reported in these verses.