Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 13:2

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 13:2 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 13:2. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, Saul picked a group of 3,000 soldiers to help him. He kept 2,000 soldiers with him and sent 1,000 soldiers with his son Jonathan, while everyone else went home.

1 Samuel 13:2: Saul chose him three thousand [men] of Israel; [whereof] two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3

This verse instructs Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely, while 1 Samuel 13:2 shows Saul organizing troops, suggesting a focus on preserving and managing his forces rather than complete destruction.

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 Judges 7:3

This verse describes Gideon reducing his troops, contrasting with 1 Samuel 13:2 where Saul builds up his army, displaying different approaches to military strength.

Judges 7:3: Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever [is] fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:9

Encourages peacemaking, whereas 1 Samuel 13:2 is about preparing for war, highlighting conflicting approaches to conflict and peace.

Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:1

Assures God's support in wars, contradicting the apparent need for human military preparation shown in 1 Samuel 13:2.

Deuteronomy 20:1: When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Contradiction with James 4:1

Questions the source of wars and fights, differing from the strategic positioning for battle in 1 Samuel 13:2.

James 4:1: From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? [fightings: or, brawlings] [lusts: or, pleasures]
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