Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill." This verse presents a direct commandment against killing, which contradicts the act of mass killing in 1 Samuel 22:19.
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..." This teaching of love and forgiveness contrasts with the violent actions in 1 Samuel 22:19.
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 12:19
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath..." This directive against personal vengeance opposes the retaliatory slaughter seen in 1 Samuel 22:19.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth..." This instruction to abstain from celebrating an enemy's downfall contradicts the destruction enacted in 1 Samuel 22:19.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
"Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." This warning against using violence challenges the lethal actions described in 1 Samuel 22:19.
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?
Paradox #1
The challenge with 1 Samuel 22:19 might be the moral conflict it presents. The verse depicts a mass killing ordered by King Saul. This act can seem inconsistent with the biblical commandments against murder and the portrayal of God as just and merciful. Readers might struggle with reconciling this act of violence with other parts of the Bible that emphasize compassion and justice.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse lies in the act of violence against innocent people, which conflicts with the broader biblical teachings about justice, mercy, and protecting the innocent. This action might seem inconsistent with the values of compassion and righteousness promoted in other parts of the Bible.