Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 24:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 24:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 24:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, David is showing King Saul a piece of his robe to prove that he could have hurt him but chose not to, because David wants to show he has not done anything wrong. David is saying that even though Saul is trying to harm him, David is not being mean or naughty back.

1 Samuel 24:11: Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 24:12

While 24:11 shows David refraining from harming Saul, 24:12 suggests a call for divine judgment rather than personal vengeance, highlighting a contradiction in approach to conflict resolution.

1 Samuel 24:12: The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Contradiction with Exodus 21:24

The "eye for an eye" principle contrasts with David's restraint in 24:11, where he chooses not to harm Saul despite Saul's pursuit of him.

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

Contradiction with Proverbs 24:29

This advises against retaliation, aligning with David's actions in 24:11 but contradicts with human instincts for revenge, showcasing the tension between human actions and divine wisdom.

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 5:38-39

Jesus's teachings to turn the other cheek surpasses David's action in 24:11, who foresees but does not fully embrace this New Testament teaching of non-retaliation.

Matthew 5:38-39: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

While echoing non-retaliation similar to David's restraint, it highlights a New Testament emphasis on leaving vengeance to God, posing a different moral framework than the potential self-defense implied in 24:11.

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.

Paradox #1

This verse demonstrates a moral conflict between the value of mercy and the expectation of justice. On one hand, showing mercy to an enemy can be seen as virtuous and compassionate. On the other hand, there might be an expectation to deliver justice or vengeance, especially if the enemy has caused harm. The contradiction arises in deciding which value should take precedence in a given situation.

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