Contradiction with 1 Samuel 31:7
It describes events of Saul's death similarly to 1 Chronicles 10:7, but some interpretations see differences in detail emphasis as potential contradictions.
1 Samuel 31:7: And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of the valley, and [they] that [were] on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 1:6-10
Contradicts as it presents an Amalekite claiming to have killed Saul, whereas 1 Chronicles 10:7 doesn’t mention this claim.
2 Samuel 1:6-10: And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 10:4
Contradicts as it describes Saul taking his own life, conflicting with accounts where someone else is implied in his death like in 2 Samuel.
1 Chronicles 10:4: Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. [abuse me: or, mock me]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 31:6
Lists Jonathan's brothers' deaths aligning with Saul's, but interpretations vary in detail focus compared to 1 Chronicles 10:7.
1 Samuel 31:6: So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
Contradicts by suggesting Saul's death was due to seeking counsel from a medium, providing a different perspective on his downfall.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14: So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it]; [committed: Heb. transgressed]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 28:18
Further attributes Saul’s demise to his disobedience and consulting a medium, offering a theological contradiction regarding the cause.
1 Samuel 28:18: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.
Paradox #1
1 Chronicles 10:7 describes what happened after Saul's death in battle. A contradiction or inconsistency might relate to differing accounts of Saul's death in other parts of the Bible, like 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1, which describe the events in slightly different ways. These differences can lead to questions about the specific details of how Saul died and what followed.