Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 15:22

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 15:22 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 15:22. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of 1 Samuel, God cares more about us listening to Him and doing what He says than just giving Him gifts or presents. It's like how your parents care more about you doing what they ask rather than just saying sorry or giving them a hug when you don't.

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 states that doing righteousness and justice is more acceptable than sacrifice, consistent with 1 Samuel 15:22 rather than contradicting it.

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

Contradiction with Matthew 9:13

Jesus echoes the notion that God desires mercy and not sacrifice, which aligns with the message of 1 Samuel 15:22.

Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:22-23

This passage suggests God's primary concern is obedience rather than burnt offerings and sacrifices, consistent with 1 Samuel 15:22.

Jeremiah 7:22-23: For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: [concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of]

Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8

It stresses doing justice and mercy over sacrifices, reinforcing the message in 1 Samuel 15:22 rather than contradicting it.

Micah 6:6-8: Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [of a...: Heb. sons of a year?]

Paradox #1

The contradiction, inconsistency, or conflict related to this verse concerns the tension between obedience and ritual sacrifice. In some parts of the Bible, offering sacrifices is emphasized as important religious practice. However, this verse prioritizes obedience to God's commands over ritual sacrifices. This can seem inconsistent when compared to other passages that stress the significance of sacrifices for atonement and worship.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in 1 Samuel 15:22 lies in the tension between obedience and sacrifice. In earlier parts of the Bible, sacrifices are emphasized as important religious practices for pleasing God. However, this verse suggests that obeying God's commands is more important than offering sacrifices, creating a conflict with earlier practices that prioritize ritual offerings. This shift emphasizes internal faithfulness over external rituals.

Paradox #3

"1 Samuel 15:22" suggests that God values obedience over sacrifices. A possible moral conflict here is that other parts of the Bible emphasize the importance of making sacrifices to God. This can seem inconsistent because one part highlights obedience while another suggests sacrifice is crucial. This might confuse those trying to understand which is more important in their faith.

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