Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 15:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 15:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 15:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, God told Saul to destroy everything, but Saul didn't listen and kept the good stuff for himself. This shows that Saul was disobedient, and that's not what God wanted.

1 Samuel 15:9: But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. [fatlings: or, second sort]

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

This verse advises total trust in the Lord's wisdom, contradicting Saul's partial obedience in sparing some of Amalek's animals and king.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

This verse commands 'Thou shalt not kill,' which contradicts Saul's actions as he was instructed to destroy the Amalekites entirely.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:32

This verse instructs not to add or take away from God's commands, contradicting Saul's decision to spare Agag and the best animals.

Deuteronomy 12:32: What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Contradiction with Romans 13:1-2

This verse emphasizes obedience to divine authority, contradicting Saul's disregard for God’s command.

Romans 13:1-2: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [ordained: or, ordered]

Contradiction with James 1:22

This verse stresses being doers of the word, not hearers only, contradicting Saul who heard God's command but did not fully act upon it.

James 1:22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Paradox #1

1 Samuel 15:9 can be seen as inconsistent with the earlier command given to Saul by God in the same chapter. God instructed Saul to completely destroy everything of the Amalekites, but Saul spared the king and kept the best animals. This disobedience highlights a conflict between God's instructions and human actions.

Paradox #2

1 Samuel 15:9 might appear to conflict with the concept of complete obedience to God's commands, as seen elsewhere in the Bible. In this verse, King Saul does not fully carry out God's instructions, which can be seen as inconsistent with teachings that emphasize the importance of full and exact obedience.

Paradox #3

The contradiction in 1 Samuel 15:9 relates to inconsistency in the biblical narrative regarding the Amalekites. Although this verse mentions the destruction of the Amalekites by Saul, other parts of the Bible depict Amalekites as existing later, raising questions about the totality of their destruction.

Paradox #4

A possible contradiction in that verse is about the destruction commanded by God. It raises questions about morality and compassion. On one hand, following the order could be seen as obedience to divine command; on the other hand, sparing certain lives reflects human mercy, creating a conflict between divine obedience and moral compassion.

Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.