Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 14:24

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 14:24 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 14:24. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, King Saul told his soldiers they would be cursed if they ate any food before evening because he wanted to win against his enemies. So, the soldiers didn't eat anything all day, even though it made them very tired and unhappy.

1 Samuel 14:24: And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted [any] food.

Contradiction with Matthew 11:28

Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him for rest, contradicting Saul's curse that burdens his troops with fatigue.

Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Contradiction with Proverbs 11:25

The verse highlights the idea that those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed, opposing Saul's prohibition of his troops from eating and thus being refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25: The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. [liberal...: Heb. soul of blessing]

Contradiction with Isaiah 40:31

This verse assures that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, in contrast to Saul's command which leads to exhaustion.

Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. [renew: Heb. change]

Contradiction with Mark 2:27

Jesus states that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, contrasting with Saul’s strict and burdensome oath that ignores human need.

Mark 2:27: And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Contradiction with Exodus 23:12

God commands rest so that people and animals may be refreshed, opposing Saul's command which prohibits rest and refreshment.

Exodus 23:12: Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

Paradox #1

1 Samuel 14:24 could be seen as inconsistent with other teachings in the Bible regarding leadership and imposing burdens. In this verse, Saul makes an oath that could be viewed as rash and burdensome on his soldiers, which contrasts with other biblical teachings on wise leadership and compassion. This could conflict with the idea that leaders should act with the welfare of their people in mind, as seen in other parts of the Bible.

Paradox #2

1 Samuel 14:24 notes that Saul put his troops under an oath not to eat food until evening, which contrasts with the practical needs of soldiers in battle. This decision may seem impractical and harmful to the troops' effectiveness, considering that food is essential for maintaining energy and strength during conflict. This inconsistency lies in reconciling the harsh command with the physical necessities of soldiers.

Paradox #3

1 Samuel 14:24 could present a contradiction or conflict because King Saul's command for the troops to fast during battle could be seen as neglecting the soldiers' physical needs for effective performance and well-being. This might appear unwise or unfair, potentially causing unnecessary suffering or hindering their ability to fight well.

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