Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 15:13

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 15:13 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 15:13. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of 1 Samuel, Saul is talking to Samuel and he is excited because he thinks he did what God asked him to do. But even though Saul seems happy, he didn’t actually follow all of God’s instructions.

1 Samuel 15:13: And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 15:13 by emphasizing the importance of obedience over sacrifice, while in 1 Samuel 15:13, Saul claims to have fulfilled God's command through sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:3

This verse suggests that doing righteousness and justice is preferred by the Lord over sacrifices, contrasting with Saul's belief in 1 Samuel 15:13 that sacrifices were sufficient.

Proverbs 21:3: To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Contradiction with Hosea 6:6

Here, God desires mercy and knowledge of Him more than burnt offerings, which conflicts with Saul's justification of his actions in 1 Samuel 15:13 as being acceptable through sacrifice.

Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Contradiction with Amos 5:22-23

God expresses disinterest in burnt offerings and peace offerings, which challenges Saul’s claim in 1 Samuel 15:13 that he has obeyed the Lord through sacrifices.

Amos 5:22-23: Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. [peace...: or, thank offerings]

Paradox #1

One potential contradiction in 1 Samuel 15:13 is that Saul claims to have obeyed God's command when, earlier in the chapter, he failed to completely destroy everything as instructed. This inconsistency is highlighted when the prophet Samuel points out Saul's disobedience, illustrating a conflict between Saul's words and his actions.

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