Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 24:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 24:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 24:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, David's friends told him that God had given him the chance to stop the person who was chasing him, King Saul. But instead of hurting Saul, David secretly cut a small piece of Saul's clothing to show he was there but chose not to harm him.

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 Romans 12:19

This verse advises against taking personal vengeance, whereas 1 Samuel 24:4 involves a suggestion to kill Saul, which could be seen as an act of personal retaliation.

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 Matthew 5:44

Encourages loving and blessing enemies, contrasting with the opportunity to harm an enemy presented in 1 Samuel 24:4.

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 Proverbs 20:22

Advises not to repay evil with evil, which is contrary to the advice given to David to kill Saul in 1 Samuel 24:4.

Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:30

Emphasizes leaving vengeance to God, while 1 Samuel 24:4 narrates others suggesting David take vengeance into his own hands.

Hebrews 10:30: For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" contradicts the suggestion to kill Saul in 1 Samuel 24:4.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Paradox #1

Theological concerns with 1 Samuel 24:4 could revolve around the idea of David's followers encouraging him to harm King Saul, which might seem contradictory to the biblical principle of respecting God's anointed leaders. David, however, chooses not to harm Saul, aligning with the teaching of respecting authority and God's timing, thus resolving the apparent inconsistency.

Paradox #2

David spares Saul's life, showing mercy, despite having the chance to harm him. The moral conflict is that even though David had a valid reason to harm Saul, he chose not to. This situation highlights a contradiction between taking justice into one's own hands versus showing compassion and trust in divine justice.

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