INQUIRY:
Did David bring the ark of the covenant to Obed-Edom’s house before (1 Chr 13:6-7, 13; 14:16) or after (2 Sam 5:25; 6:3, 10) defeating the Philistines? Is there a contradiction?
RESPONSE:
First, it was not David’s plan to take the ark of covenant to Obed-Edom’s house. It was kept there temporarily (3 mo.) due to the death of Uzzah.
2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles have the same details, but are presented in a different order. The question is why?
It is not uncommon for the same information to be given in more than one text, with a different order used. At times items are presented topically and at other times chronologically. For example, Genesis 1 is a chronological account of creation, whereas Genesis 2 is topical. Genesis 10 gives a topical list of nations and languages (linked to the genealogy of Noah’s sons), but Genesis 11 supplies a chronology of how they came to be. The same thing can be found in the synoptic gospels, and also in the history books.
The account in 2 Samuel is topical. Chapter 5 focuses on David’s battles at Jerusalem and against the Philistines; chapter 6 focuses on bringing the ark to Jerusalem. David’s battles are found in 1 Chronicles 11 & 14, while the transit of the ark is in chapters 13 & 15.
There is no contradiction.
A response to 1001 Bible Contradictions.
