Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
This verse emphasizes God's forgiveness and mercy, contrasting with the command to utterly destroy in 1 Samuel 15:18.
Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, opposing the command to destroy in 1 Samuel 15:18.
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 Ezekiel 18:32
God expresses no pleasure in the death of anyone, contrasting with the destruction command in 1 Samuel 15:18.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
Advises not to rejoice when your enemy falls, unlike the complete destruction in 1 Samuel 15:18.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Teaches not to avenge but leave room for God's wrath, while 1 Samuel 15:18 is a command to execute vengeance.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 15:18 could raise a theological conflict concerning the idea of a loving and just God, as it involves a command for destruction. Some might find it difficult to reconcile the notion of God who commands such actions with the broader biblical themes of love, mercy, and justice. This tension between divinely commanded violence and the overall character of God as depicted in the Bible is often discussed among theologians.
Paradox #2
The verse speaks about God commanding the destruction of the Amalekites, which raises questions about the moral implications of divine commands that involve violence or harm. This can seem contradictory to other teachings in the Bible that emphasize love, mercy, and compassion. It's a challenging area for some readers as they try to reconcile these differing aspects of God's nature.
Paradox #3
Some people might point out that in different parts of the Bible, there are conflicting messages about violence and treatment of enemies. For example, while some passages call for complete destruction of enemies, others promote love and forgiveness. This can seem inconsistent to some readers.
Paradox #4
The verse presents an ethical issue rather than a scientific one. It describes an act that could raise moral questions about violence and treatment of people. Historically, some actions described might be at odds with principles of human rights and ethics. However, it doesn't directly contradict scientific facts.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse could arise from the directive to destroy an entire group of people, which conflicts with the values of mercy and compassion. This can create tension when considering ideas about justice and morality that emphasize the sanctity of life and fairness.