Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 20:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 20:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 20:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, David is telling his friend Jonathan that Jonathan's dad knows they are good friends and wants to keep it a secret because he is afraid that Jonathan will be upset. David also says that he feels very close to danger and could be in big trouble at any moment.

1 Samuel 20:3: And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse states that God looks at the heart, while 1 Samuel 20:3 reflects David's concern about Saul's hidden intentions, implying a difference in understanding intentions and true threats.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

This verse encourages trust in the Lord rather than leaning on personal understanding, while in 1 Samuel 20:3, David relies heavily on his understanding and perception of Saul's intentions.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9

This verse claims that the heart is deceitful and unknowable, yet in 1 Samuel 20:3, David seems confident in understanding Saul’s intentions.

Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Contradiction with Psalm 37:28

This verse confirms the Lord's protection of his saints, contrasting with David’s fear for his life in 1 Samuel 20:3, suggesting a lack of secure faith in divine protection.

Psalm 37:28: For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Contradiction with Romans 8:28

This verse states that all things work for good for those who love God. In 1 Samuel 20:3, David seems worried and doesn’t convey trust that the situation will turn out for good.

Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in 1 Samuel 20:3 could be seen in the tension between duty to family and duty to a friend. David is caught between loyalty to his friend Jonathan and protecting himself from Jonathan's father, King Saul, who seeks to harm him. This situation can create a conflict of interest where being honest with one party could mean danger for the other, raising questions about where moral obligations should lie.

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