Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 23:19

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 23:19 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 23:19. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, some people from the place called Ziph told King Saul where David was hiding. They wanted to help Saul find David by sharing this information.

1 Samuel 23:19: Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which [is] on the south of Jeshimon? [on...: Heb. on the right hand] [Jeshimon: or, the wilderness]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 24:4

This verse shows David's men advising him to take action against Saul, while in 1 Samuel 23:19, the Ziphites help Saul by revealing David's location, supporting Saul instead.

1 Samuel 24:4: And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. [Saul's...: Heb. the robe which was Saul's]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 26:12

This verse depicts David taking Saul's spear and water jug but sparing his life, emphasizing David's restraint, which contradicts the Ziphites' decision to reveal David's location to Saul, thus fueling conflict.

1 Samuel 26:12: So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw [it], nor knew [it], neither awaked: for they [were] all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.

Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 12:22

Describes the continual growth of support for David from others, contrasting the Ziphites' decision in 1 Samuel 23:19 to aid Saul against David.

1 Chronicles 12:22: For at [that] time day by day there came to David to help him, until [it was] a great host, like the host of God.

Contradiction with Psalm 54:3

David laments that strangers have risen against him, implicitly criticizing the Ziphites' betrayal found in 1 Samuel 23:19.

Psalm 54:3: For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

Paradox #1

The verse in question describes people informing Saul about David's whereabouts, intending to betray David. A potential contradiction could be seen in themes of loyalty and divine protection. The Bible often emphasizes God's protection over chosen individuals like David. However, human actions, like betrayal, demonstrate free will and seem to momentarily contradict the idea of divine safeguarding. This raises questions about how divine protection works alongside human choices.

Paradox #2

The potential contradiction or conflict in this verse could arise from issues of betrayal and loyalty. In this context, individuals are informing on David's location to King Saul, which raises questions about loyalty to one's leader versus loyalty to a friend or God's chosen anointed. The act of informing could be seen as a betrayal, conflicting with values of trust and loyalty to allies.

← 1 Samuel 23:18
Share
1 Samuel 23:20 →
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.