Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 16:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 16:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 16:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, David went to King Saul and made a good impression on him, so Saul liked David very much and made him his helper who carried his armor. This shows how David started working closely with King Saul and was trusted by him.

1 Samuel 16:21: And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

Emphasizes that God looks at the heart, while 1 Samuel 16:21 suggests outward favor through David becoming Saul's armor-bearer, which may seem contradictory in importance.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:14

States the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit troubled him, potentially conflicting with the positive relationship implied by David standing before Saul.

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 18:10-11

Describes Saul's animosity toward David, contradicting the favorable relationship in 1 Samuel 16:21.

1 Samuel 18:10-11: And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 19:9-10

Indicates Saul tried to kill David, showing a stark contrast to the positive role David initially had in Saul's service.

1 Samuel 19:9-10: And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with [his] hand.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 20:33

Shows Saul's attempt to harm Jonathan for siding with David, opposite to David's favorable position in Saul's court in 1 Samuel 16:21.

1 Samuel 20:33: And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

Paradox #1

One potential inconsistency involves the timeline and relationship between David and Saul. In "1 Samuel 16:21," David enters Saul's service and becomes close to him, yet later passages suggest Saul doesn't recognize David when he defeats Goliath. This could be seen as contradictory since they had already met.

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