Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 17:28

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 17:28 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 17:28. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, Eliab, David's oldest brother, was upset with David and thought he was being proud and just wanted to watch the fight instead of helping out. Eliab questioned why David left the sheep alone and thought he was being naughty.

1 Samuel 17:28: And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 17:28 because David's brother Eliab responds with anger and accusation instead of a soft answer.

Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:22

Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause: Eliab's anger in 1 Samuel 17:28 seems unfounded and contradicts the teaching against being angry without a cause.

Matthew 5:22: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. [Raca: that is, Vain fellow]

Contradiction with Proverbs 18:13

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it: Eliab assumes David's intentions without understanding them, contradicting this proverb about speaking before listening.

Proverbs 18:13: He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him. [answereth...: Heb. returneth a word]

Contradiction with Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness and wrath... be put away from you: Eliab's response is filled with bitterness and anger, contradicting the call for kindness and compassion.

Ephesians 4:31: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Paradox #1

One contradiction sometimes noted is that in 1 Samuel 17:28, David's oldest brother, Eliab, questions his intentions and accuses him of being prideful and seeking attention, despite David previously being described as favored by God and having already been anointed by Samuel as future king. This can seem inconsistent with the idea that someone chosen by God would be viewed so negatively by his own family.

Paradox #2

The moral conflict in this verse could be seen as a tension between family loyalty and individual calling. One brother criticizes another's intentions, which may reflect jealousy or misunderstanding rather than support and trust. This challenges the idea of encouraging loved ones to pursue their true purpose or calling, even when it seems misunderstood or risky.

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