INQUIRY:
Did David sin (1 Chronicles 21:1; 28:3; 1 Samuel 21:3-6; 2 Samuel 11:14-17; Psalm 25:7; 119:176) or not (1 Kings 15:5; 2 Samuel 22:22; Psalm 119:110; Acts 13:22)? Is there a contradiction?
RESPONSE:
The questioner gives a long list of verses to support each case. There are plenty more verses that could have been included. I’ll add one to the “David sinned” list, and then move on to discuss the “didn’t sin” position. Notice:
So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ (2 Samuel 12:13)
In 1 Kings 15:5, we’re told that David did what was right in the eyes of God, “except in the matter of Uriah…” Umm, the text itself acknowledged David’s sin.
In 2 Samuel 22:22-24, David speaks of his commitment to walk in God’s way. Though the context does not speak of David’s sin, it has been noted above that he did sin. Must it be stated in every text about David’s service to God?
In Psalm 119:110, the Psalmist says a snare was laid for him by his enemies, but he didn’t stray for God’s way. Does that mean he never ever strayed, or that he didn’t fall into the snare?
Acts 13:22 says David was a man after God’s own heart. It is the questioner who says that means sinless. The text itself doesn’t say that.
There is no contradiction.
A response to 1001 Bible Contradictions.
