Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Chronicles 21:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Chronicles 21:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Chronicles 21:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Chronicles, God gave King David three choices as a punishment: three years with no food, three months of losing battles, or three days of sickness sent by God. David had to decide which one to choose to tell the messenger.

1 Chronicles 21:12: Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh [thee]; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 24:1

In 1 Samuel 24:1, David is seen sparing Saul’s life, emphasizing mercy, while 1 Chronicles 21:12 involves God sending punishment.

1 Samuel 24:1: And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David [is] in the wilderness of Engedi. [following: Heb. after]

Contradiction with James 1:13

James 1:13 states God does not tempt with evil, contradicting the idea of God offering punishment as a choice.

James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23

Ezekiel 18:23 suggests God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, conflicting with the choice of a deadly pestilence in 1 Chronicles 21:12.

Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Contradiction with Matthew 5:7

Matthew 5:7 celebrates mercy, whereas 1 Chronicles 21:12 outlines a punitive option.

Matthew 5:7: Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:8

1 John 4:8 proclaims God is love, clashing with God presenting an option for severe punishment.

1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Paradox #1

The contradiction related to this verse involves different accounts of the same event in the Bible. In 1 Chronicles 21:12, it mentions one option of punishment as three years of famine. However, in 2 Samuel 24:13, which describes a similar event, the duration of the famine is given as seven years. This difference in the length of the famine is seen as a contradiction between the two accounts.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in this verse is the idea of God giving a severe punishment despite being merciful and loving. It presents a situation where people are punished harshly because of a leader's error, which seems inconsistent with the concept of justice as it involves innocent people suffering for someone else's mistake. This conflict raises questions about fairness and compassion.

← 1 Chronicles 21:11
Share
1 Chronicles 21:13 →
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.