Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 17:33

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 17:33 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 17:33. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, King Saul told David that he was too young and too small to fight the giant warrior Goliath because Goliath had been fighting for a long time. Saul thought it would be too dangerous for David, who was just a young boy at the time.

1 Samuel 17:33: And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:18

This verse describes David as a valiant man and a man of war, contradicting 1 Samuel 17:33 where Saul says David is not able to fight Goliath because he is just a youth.

1 Samuel 16:18: Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him. [matters: or, speech]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:37

David declares that God, who delivered him from the lion and the bear, will deliver him from Goliath, contradicting Saul's doubt about David's capability in 1 Samuel 17:33.

1 Samuel 17:37: David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:50

David defeats Goliath with a sling and a stone, contradicting the notion in 1 Samuel 17:33 that he is unable to fight the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:50: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 8:6

It states that the Lord preserved David wherever he went, implying God's support and capability, contradicting Saul's doubt in 1 Samuel 17:33.

2 Samuel 8:6: Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 18:14

David executes judgment and justice over Israel, indicating his leadership and wisdom, which contradicts the doubts about his youthful ability in 1 Samuel 17:33.

1 Chronicles 18:14: So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

Contradiction with Isaiah 11:6

The verse about a child leading implies that youth can have great strength and wisdom, contradicting the doubt in 1 Samuel 17:33 regarding David's youth.

Isaiah 11:6: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
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