Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 14:36

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 14:36 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 14:36. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, King Saul wanted to attack the Philistines during the night and take their things. But the priest suggested that they should first ask God what to do.

1 Samuel 14:36: And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:8

1 Samuel 14:36 involves pursuing enemies and may occur despite the Sabbath command to rest.

Exodus 20:8: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Contradiction with Leviticus 19:18

The pursuit of enemies in 1 Samuel 14:36 contradicts the command to love your neighbor as yourself.

Leviticus 19:18: Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22

1 Samuel 14:36 speaks of attacking enemies, while Proverbs advises feeding and giving drink to them.

Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Jesus teaches to love your enemies, contrary to the pursuit for attack in 1 Samuel 14:36.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:17-19

Advises against repaying evil for evil and seeking vengeance, in contrast to the pursuit of enemies in 1 Samuel 14:36.

Romans 12:17-19: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Paradox #1

1 Samuel 14:36 might present a theological conflict related to Saul's actions. Saul decides to pursue the Philistines at night, showing a lack of consultation with God. This decision contrasts with the principle of seeking God's guidance in all endeavors, which is encouraged elsewhere in the Bible. This lack of seeking divine guidance may reflect a conflict with the idea of dependence on God for direction and decision-making.

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