Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse advocates for loving and praying for enemies, while 1 Samuel 17:9 involves defeating an enemy through combat.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 12:21
Paul encourages overcoming evil with good, contrasting the battle-centric resolution in 1 Samuel 17:9.
Romans 12:21: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
This verse emphasizes the Lord fighting for the Israelites, while 1 Samuel 17:9 centers on individual combat resolve.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turning away wrath stands in contrast to the aggressive confrontation in 1 Samuel 17:9.
Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Contradiction with James 4:7
Encourages submitting to God and resisting the devil, whereas 1 Samuel 17:9 involves a direct physical confrontation with an enemy.
James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
Jesus advises putting away the sword, contradicting the martial solution in 1 Samuel 17:9.
Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Depicts a time of peace where nations will not learn war anymore, which contrasts with the warfare scenario in 1 Samuel 17:9.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction in 1 Samuel 17:9 lies in the differing discussions about who killed Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David is credited with killing Goliath. However, in 2 Samuel 21:19, a warrior named Elhanan is mentioned as the one who struck down Goliath. This inconsistency might suggest a conflict or variation in the oral or written traditions that were later recorded.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this verse could be seen as the promotion of resolving conflicts through combat or violence. This might seem inconsistent with other teachings in the Bible that advocate for peace and turning the other cheek.