Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 16:2

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 16:2 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 16:2. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, Samuel was scared because he thought King Saul would hurt him if he found out he was going to anoint a new king. But God helped Samuel by telling him to take a cow and say he was going to make a sacrifice, so Saul wouldn’t know the real reason for his visit.

1 Samuel 16:2: And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear [it], he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. [with thee: Heb. in thine hand]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:16

This verse commands not to bear false witness, yet 1 Samuel 16:2 involves a deception commanded by God.

Exodus 20:16: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Contradiction with Proverbs 12:22

This verse states that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but in 1 Samuel 16:2, God instructs Samuel to conceal the truth.

Proverbs 12:22: Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

Contradiction with James 1:13

This verse states that God does not tempt anyone to do evil, yet in 1 Samuel 16:2, God is commanding an action that involves deception.

James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]

Paradox #1

1 Samuel 16:2 presents a situation where God instructs Samuel to give an alternative reason for his visit to Bethlehem, which could be seen as misleading. This raises questions about the compatibility of this action with the idea that God always upholds truth and honesty. Some might see this as a conflict with other biblical teachings that emphasize truthfulness.

Paradox #2

The potential doctrinal conflict in 1 Samuel 16:2 could be related to the issue of honesty. In the verse, God instructs Samuel to provide a reason for his journey that could be seen as misleading to avoid confrontation with Saul. This could be viewed as conflicting with the general biblical teaching that values truthfulness and honesty.

Paradox #3

This verse could present a contradiction because it involves someone being told to deceive others to avoid potential harm. It raises questions about the morality of using deceit even when it seems necessary to protect oneself.

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