THE ATHEIST'S COMPLAINT:
Who moved David to number the people, God or Satan? 2 Samuel 24:1 reads, "And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah..." However, 1 Chronicles 21:1 reads, "And Satan stood up against Isarel, and provoked David to number Isarel."

Is there a contradiction?

RESPONSE:
God does not tempt any to do evil (James 1:13), but does permit Satan to tempt man (ie. Job 1:7-12). At times, when the Lord permits temptation to come upon an individual, He is described as doing what He has permitted to occur (ie. Exodus 7:13; Psalm 105:25).

On account of the Lord's anger against Israel, He permitted Satan to tempt David, and Satan prevailed against him.

There is no contradiction.

---