Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 26:22

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 26:22 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 26:22. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, David showed he could have hurt the king but chose not to and wanted to prove he was being good by giving back the king's spear. David was being nice and saying, "See, I could have taken something, but I didn't because I respect you."

1 Samuel 26:22: And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.

Contradiction with Exodus 21:24

"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This verse emphasizes retribution, contrasting with David's act of returning the spear to Saul, demonstrating mercy and restraint in 1 Samuel 26:22.

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

Contradiction with 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." This verse advises against retaliation similar to 1 Samuel 26:22, where David returns Saul's property instead of seeking revenge.

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

"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." This teaching aligns with David's action, but it poses a more general approach of love versus hate, whereas 1 Samuel 26:22 involves a specific act of returning property without explicit reference to love.

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: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." This contradicts any notion of human vengeance, similar to 1 Samuel 26:22’s theme of allowing divine justice rather than personal retribution.

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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