Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 24:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 24:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 24:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, King Saul found out that David was hiding in the desert area called Engedi. Saul had stopped chasing some enemies called the Philistines and now wanted to find David.

1 Samuel 24:1: And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David [is] in the wilderness of Engedi. [following: Heb. after]

Contradiction with Genesis 9:6

Genesis 9:6 emphasizes retribution for wrongdoing ("Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed"), which contradicts David's decision in 1 Samuel 24:1 not to kill Saul when he has the chance, showing mercy instead of seeking vengeance.

Genesis 9:6: Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Contradiction with Exodus 21:24

Exodus 21:24 promotes the law of retaliation ("Eye for eye, tooth for tooth"), whereas 1 Samuel 24:1 reflects David's choice not to harm Saul despite Saul's intentions against him, showing restraint and forgiveness.

Exodus 21:24: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

Contradiction with Proverbs 24:29

Proverbs 24:29 advises against taking personal vengeance ("Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me"), highlighting a contrast with the opportunity David had to exact vengeance on Saul in 1 Samuel 24:1, which he refrained from doing in alignment with this proverb.

Proverbs 24:29: Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Matthew 5:44 encourages loving enemies and praying for persecutors, which resonates with David's sparing of Saul's life in 1 Samuel 24:1 instead of taking revenge, presenting a contradiction in action yet supporting the principle.

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

Romans 12:19 instructs believers not to seek personal revenge but to leave room for God's wrath. This contradicts David's potential, yet not actualized, act of vengeance in 1 Samuel 24:1, reinforcing his choice to spare Saul's life as aligned with this guidance.

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.
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