Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 20:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 20:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 20:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the prophet Samuel, Jonathan promised to always be friends with David's family and asked God to help defeat those who would try to hurt David. Jonathan wanted God to make sure that David's enemies would be the ones to face trouble.

1 Samuel 20:16: So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David, [saying], Let the LORD even require [it] at the hand of David's enemies. [made: Heb. cut]

Contradiction with Matthew 26:14-16

Contradicts the concept of loyalty and covenant, as Judas agrees to betray Jesus for money.

Matthew 26:14-16: Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Contradiction with Judges 9:23

Represents divine-induced betrayal, in contrast to the covenant of trust in 1 Samuel 20:16.

Judges 9:23: Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:

Contradiction with Genesis 4:8

Highlights brotherly betrayal and murder, opposing the supportive relationship in 1 Samuel 20:16.

Genesis 4:8: And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 15:10-12

Absalom's conspiracy against his father contradicts the loyal covenant found in 1 Samuel 20:16.

2 Samuel 15:10-12: But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

Contradiction with John 18:25-27

Peter's denial of Jesus contrasts with the theme of unwavering loyalty and covenant.

John 18:25-27: And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also [one] of his disciples? He denied [it], and said, I am not.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 9:4

Warns against trusting even friends, contradicting the covenant of loyalty between Jonathan and David.

Jeremiah 9:4: Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. [neighbour: or, friend]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in 1 Samuel 20:16 could be seen in the way loyalty and oaths are portrayed. The verse is about making a strong commitment of friendship and loyalty, but it comes during a time when deception and conflict occur in the surrounding chapters. The contradiction may lie in the tension between staying true to personal commitments while navigating complex, sometimes ethically questionable, situations.

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