Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 13:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 13:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 13:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of 1 Samuel, Saul and his son Jonathan were staying with their people in a town called Gibeah, while their enemies, the Philistines, set up their camp nearby in a place called Michmash. This shows that God's people were close to their enemies, and something important was about to happen.

1 Samuel 13:16: And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people [that were] present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. [present: Heb. found] [Gibeah: Heb. Geba]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 13:19

This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 13:16 by describing the lack of blacksmiths, which implies a scarcity of weaponry, potentially conflicting with the presence of a standing army.

1 Samuel 13:19: Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make [them] swords or spears:

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 14:6

This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 13:16 by highlighting Jonathan's proactive initiative, differing from the standstill implied in 13:16.

1 Samuel 14:6: And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 14:22

This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 13:16 by indicating that more Israelites joined the battle, which contrasts with the previously mentioned positioning of troops.

1 Samuel 14:22: Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, [when] they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3

This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 13:16 by commanding action against the Amalekites, differing from the non-engagement stance of 13:16.

1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 14:1

This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 13:16 by showing Jonathan taking unauthorized action, challenging the static military situation at Geba.

1 Samuel 14:1: Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that [is] on the other side. But he told not his father. [it came...: or, there was a day]
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.