Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 21:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 21:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 21:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Samuel, the priest is telling David that he doesn't have any regular bread to give him, but he does have special bread meant for God. The priest says David's men can have it if they have been good and stayed away from women.

1 Samuel 21:4: And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

Contradiction with Leviticus 24:9

Leviticus 24:9 states that the shewbread is for Aaron and his sons, implying it should not be consumed by anyone else, which contradicts the allowance made in 1 Samuel 21:4.

Leviticus 24:9: And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it [is] most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

Contradiction with Numbers 4:7

Numbers 4:7 specifies the shewbread is a continued offering, suggesting its sacred status for the priests, conflicting with the permission for David's men to eat it in 1 Samuel 21:4.

Numbers 4:7: And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: [cover...: or, pour out withal]

Contradiction with Matthew 12:4

Matthew 12:4 refers to how it was unlawful for David to eat the shewbread, except for the priests, highlighting a contradiction with the priest providing it in 1 Samuel 21:4.

Matthew 12:4: How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

Paradox #1

The conflict in 1 Samuel 21:4 arises when compared with other dietary laws in the Bible, specifically the restrictions on who can eat consecrated or holy bread. According to Leviticus, only priests are permitted to eat such bread, yet in this story, David and his men eat it under special circumstances. This inconsistency challenges the strict adherence to these laws and raises questions about the flexibility or exceptions to divine rules.

Paradox #2

The contradiction involves the regulations regarding who can eat holy bread. In some parts of the Bible, only priests are allowed to consume it, but this verse describes an exception where someone else is permitted to eat it under specific conditions, which might seem inconsistent with earlier laws.

Paradox #3

The contradiction or conflict could arise from the situation of using holy or consecrated items in a way that may not typically be allowed. In some interpretations, this could raise questions about the balance between religious rules and human need, as well as the flexibility of moral and religious laws in urgent situations.

← 1 Samuel 21:3
Share
1 Samuel 21:5 →
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.