Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 17:49

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 17:49 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 17:49. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, this story shows how David, a young shepherd boy, trusted in God and was able to defeat the giant Goliath with just a stone. It teaches that even if you are small, with faith and courage, you can overcome big challenges.

1 Samuel 17:49: And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 21:19

States Elhanan killed Goliath, contradicting that David killed Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:49.

2 Samuel 21:19: And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam. [Jaareoregim: or, Jair]

Paradox #1

One potential inconsistency is that in some versions of the story, David is described as killing Goliath with a sling and a stone, striking him on the forehead. However, earlier in the same narrative, it's suggested that Goliath was wearing a helmet. This raises questions about how the stone could have effectively hit Goliath's forehead if he was wearing protective headgear.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in "1 Samuel 17:49" could be the improbability of a stone from a sling causing immediate and certain death to a heavily armored warrior. Modern understanding of physics and anatomy suggests that while a sling can be deadly, the precision and circumstances described may not align with typical outcomes observed in historical combat.

Paradox #3

The story associated with 1 Samuel 17:49 involves violence and killing, which can seem contradictory to broader teachings in the Bible that advocate for peace, love, and forgiveness. This might raise questions about reconciling acts of violence with messages of compassion and non-violence found elsewhere in the text.

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