Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 13:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 13:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 13:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, people learned that King Saul won a fight against the Philistines, but this made the Philistines really mad at Israel. So, the people gathered with Saul at a place called Gilgal.

1 Samuel 13:4: And all Israel heard say [that] Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and [that] Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. [was...: Heb. did stink]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:11

This verse shows God's regret for making Saul king, which contradicts the pride and honor suggested in 1 Samuel 13:4.

1 Samuel 15:11: It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:1

God instructs Samuel to anoint a new king, indicating dissatisfaction with Saul, contrary to Saul being honored in 1 Samuel 13:4.

1 Samuel 16:1: And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 28:18

Here, Saul is punished for disobedience, contrasting the previous success and honor mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:4.

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.

Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

The verse explains Saul's downfall due to his unfaithfulness, contradicting the positive regard for Saul earlier in 1 Samuel 13:4.

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]

Paradox #1

In 1 Samuel 13:4, there's a potential inconsistency regarding who actually defeated the Philistine outpost. Earlier, it suggests Jonathan attacked it, but later it's Saul who seems to get the credit. This can confuse readers about who was truly responsible for the victory.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in 1 Samuel 13:4 involves differing accounts of who defeated the Philistine garrison, as some translations might suggest that it was Saul, while other passages indicate it was his son Jonathan who struck the Philistine outpost. This creates inconsistency in who receives credit for the victory.

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