Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 12:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 12:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 12:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, God helped the people by sending leaders like Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel to save them from their enemies, so they could live safely. This shows that God takes care of His people and helps them when they are in trouble.

1 Samuel 12:11: And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.

Contradiction with Judges 2:16

Contradicts because it states that the LORD raised up judges to deliver Israel from their enemies, without specific mention of the individuals listed in 1 Samuel 12:11.

Judges 2:16: Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. [delivered: Heb. saved]

Contradiction with Judges 3:9

Contradicts by naming Othniel as a deliverer, whom 1 Samuel 12:11 does not mention among the deliverers.

Judges 3:9: And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. [deliverer: Heb. saviour]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:10

Contradicts because it depicts the Israelites confessing and pleading for deliverance, not mentioning specific judges or deliverers.

1 Samuel 12:10: And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.

Contradiction with Hebrews 11:32

Contradicts by including other figures like Barak and Samson without referring to some judges named in 1 Samuel 12:11.

Hebrews 11:32: And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets:

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in 1 Samuel 12:11 could arise from the differences in the names or list of judges mentioned compared to other parts of the Bible. Sometimes, names or events related to specific judges aren't consistent across various passages. This may lead to questions about the accuracy or completeness of the lists provided in different biblical accounts.

Paradox #2

1 Samuel 12:11 lists leaders including "Bedan," whose identity is unclear and inconsistent with other historical or biblical texts. Some say this might be a copyist error for "Barak," who is mentioned in the Book of Judges, but this isn't confirmed. This inconsistency can cause confusion about the actual historical figure being referenced.

Paradox #3

The potential contradiction in 1 Samuel 12:11 involves the names and number of judges or leaders mentioned. Different Bible translations or manuscripts might have varied lists, causing some inconsistency regarding who is named or the total number. However, interpretations often suggest that these differences are due to historical or translational variations rather than a clear contradiction.

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