Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill." - This verse directly contradicts the command given in 1 Samuel 22:17, where Saul orders the killing of the priests of Nob.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with 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;" - This teaching of Jesus on loving enemies contrasts sharply with Saul's order to kill the priests.
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 Psalm 34:17
"The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." - This promise of deliverance for the righteous contradicts the fate of the priests in 1 Samuel 22:17.
Psalm 34:17: [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Contradiction with Proverbs 10:6
"Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked." - The violence against the just priests ordered by Saul contradicts this proverb which suggests blessings for the just.
Proverbs 10:6: Blessings [are] upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:17
"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." - Encouraging just actions and care for others, this contrasts with the unjust massacre in 1 Samuel 22:17.
Isaiah 1:17: Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. [relieve: or, righten]
Paradox #1
The contradiction could be seen in the aspect of moral teachings. This verse involves an action that appears to contradict the biblical value of mercy and justice, as innocent people are harmed due to one person's actions. This raises questions about fairness and the morality of such actions in the biblical narrative.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 22:17 might raise concerns about moral and ethical contradictions, particularly regarding the involvement of violence and the directive to harm innocent people. This can seem inconsistent with teachings that emphasize compassion, justice, and protection of the innocent. Some readers might struggle to reconcile this event with the overall message of moral righteousness often promoted in the Bible.
Paradox #3
Some scholars point out a possible inconsistency in the biblical texts regarding the events leading up to and surrounding this verse. One issue is the differing accounts of Saul's actions and decisions throughout the narrative, which may seem contradictory when compared with other chapters or verses. These inconsistencies could be due to the combination of different sources or traditions in the composition of the text. However, interpretations vary, and some believe these differences can be harmonized through deeper analysis.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict in this verse might involve the command to kill innocent priests, which seems to clash with the broader biblical teaching against murder and the expectation to protect the innocent. This can create a sense of inconsistency with the value of human life emphasized elsewhere.