Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This verse states that anyone who consults with familiar spirits is an abomination, indicating a broader prohibition against practices like consulting with a witch, which 1 Chronicles 10:13 indicates as the reason for Saul's death.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:23
This verse equates rebellion and stubbornness with witchcraft and idolatry, suggesting Saul's disobedience was more broadly the issue, not solely consulting a medium as suggested in 1 Chronicles 10:13.
1 Samuel 15:23: For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. [witchcraft: Heb. divination]
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 1:14-16
These verses describe how Saul died due to the Amalekite's claim of mercy killing, offering a different perspective from 1 Chronicles 10:13 which attributes his death to his unfaithfulness and consulting a witch.
2 Samuel 1:14-16: And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 31:4
This verse directly states that Saul took his own life by falling on his sword, contrasting with 1 Chronicles 10:13's focus on God's judgment for seeking a medium.
1 Samuel 31:4: Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. [abuse...: or, mock me]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 33:6
This verse contrasts with the view in 1 Chronicles 10:13 by showing that Manasseh, who also consulted with familiar spirits, was not immediately punished with death, suggesting inconsistency in consequences.
2 Chronicles 33:6: And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in 1 Chronicles 10:13 could be seen in the context of Saul's death. The verse suggests that Saul died because he was unfaithful to God and consulted a medium, which contradicts other parts of the Bible, like 1 Samuel 31:4, where it states that Saul's death was because he fell on his own sword during battle. This raises questions about whether Saul's death was a direct punishment from God or a consequence of the battle.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in 1 Chronicles 10:13 relates to different biblical accounts about why King Saul died. In 1 Samuel 31, Saul's death is described as a suicide during battle. However, 1 Chronicles 10:13 interprets his death as a punishment from God for consulting a medium and not seeking God's guidance. These differing explanations create inconsistency in the biblical narrative about the cause and purpose of Saul's death.
Paradox #3
1 Chronicles 10:13 presents a contradiction because it describes how Saul was punished for consulting a medium, while other parts of the Bible indicate that not all actions of leaders who disobey God result in immediate punishment. This inconsistency raises questions about the uniformity of consequences for disobedience in biblical narratives.