Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 14:2

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 14:2 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 14:2. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, Saul was resting with his men under a pomegranate tree in a place called Migron. He had about six hundred men with him there.

1 Samuel 14:2: And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which [is] in Migron: and the people that [were] with him [were] about six hundred men;

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:1

1 Samuel 14:2 describes King Saul staying under a pomegranate tree with his men, indicative of inactivity, while 1 Samuel 17:1 shows the Philistines gathering for battle, suggesting an ongoing threat that requires action.

1 Samuel 17:1: Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which [belongeth] to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. [Ephesdammim: or, the coast of Dammim, called Pasdammim]

Contradiction with Judges 4:14

This verse depicts Deborah urging Barak to act because the Lord has given their enemy into their hand, contradicting 1 Samuel 14:2 where Saul is idle instead of seizing God's promises.

Judges 4:14: And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this [is] the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

Contradiction with Joshua 1:9

Encourages being strong and courageous because God is with them, contradicting Saul's inaction and fear while staying in Gibeah.

Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Contradiction with Proverbs 10:5

Contradicts 1 Samuel 14:2 by advocating for diligence instead of sloth during harvest time, symbolizing missed opportunities due to inaction.

Proverbs 10:5: He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:16

Encourages letting your light shine through actions, contrasting with Saul's inaction and lack of visible leadership.

Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Contradiction with James 2:17

Highlights faith without works is dead, suggesting Saul's faith was ineffective due to his passive stance under the tree.

James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]
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