Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 16:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 16:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 16:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, when King Saul felt bad because of a spirit, his servants suggested finding someone good at playing the harp to help him feel better. They believed the music would make the king feel happy again.

1 Samuel 16:16: Let our lord now command thy servants, [which are] before thee, to seek out a man, [who is] a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:14

Describes that an evil spirit from the Lord troubled Saul, contradicting the idea that a musician would soothe a divinely sent spirit.

1 Samuel 16:14: But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. [troubled: or, terrified]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:23

Indicates that Saul was relieved when David played the harp, which is consistent, creating an apparent contradiction as it doesn't suggest permanent reliance on external solutions.

1 Samuel 16:23: And it came to pass, when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 3:15

Implies that music can simply assist prophecy, not relieve evil spirits indirectly implying music lacks inherently spiritual power.

2 Kings 3:15: But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

Contradiction with Matthew 12:43-45

Suggests that evil spirits can return to a person, contradicting the idea that music could provide a lasting fix.

Matthew 12:43-45: When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

Contradiction with Job 1:10-12

Shows God's control over evil spirits, which contradicts the idea that human intervention could be effective in altering divine action.

Job 1:10-12: Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. [substance: or, cattle]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:13

The Spirit of the Lord comes on David might contradict the necessity of music to calm spirits if God's favor rests directly on individuals.

1 Samuel 16:13: Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
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