Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Prohibits killing, while 1 Samuel 15:33 depicts Saul's execution of Agag.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Encourages love and forgiveness towards enemies, opposing the execution of Agag.
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 12:19
Advocates against personal vengeance, contradicting Saul's act of justice.
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.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11
States that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, conflicting with the narrative of 1 Samuel 15:33.
Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17-18
Advises not to rejoice when an enemy falls, contrary to the approval of Agag’s execution.
Proverbs 24:17-18: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Paradox #1
The theological conflict in 1 Samuel 15:33 arises from the tension between the Old Testament depiction of God commanding acts of violence or judgment and the New Testament depiction of God as loving and forgiving through Jesus. This verse, which involves a violent act, can be hard to reconcile with the teachings of love and mercy emphasized in the New Testament. This presents a challenge for some readers in understanding the consistency of God’s nature across the different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal inconsistency in 1 Samuel 15:33 could arise from the conflicting views on the nature of God as both merciful and just. Some might see a contradiction in portraying God as a figure who orders punishment and violence, contrasting with New Testament teachings of love and forgiveness. This tension can create differing interpretations about God's character and actions across different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #3
1 Samuel 15:33 involves the prophet Samuel executing King Agag, which appears inconsistent with other instances in the Bible where prophets are primarily seen as messengers or advisors rather than taking direct physical action like execution. This seeming contradiction can raise questions about the roles and actions of prophets in different contexts.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this context might arise if the verse implies a miraculous event or supernatural intervention that cannot be explained by natural laws or scientific understanding. If the verse describes an event or action that defies the laws of nature, such as sudden or unusual phenomena that cannot be observed or replicated under normal circumstances, it would conflict with scientific perspectives, which rely on consistent, observable, and testable explanations.
Paradox #5
The contradiction could be seen in the depiction of violence and retribution. It might conflict with other teachings in the Bible that emphasize forgiveness, mercy, and love for enemies. The act described in the verse can appear inconsistent with the overall message of compassion found in other parts of the Bible.