Contradiction with Leviticus 19:31
This verse forbids seeking mediums and spirits, contradicting Saul's consultation with a medium in 1 Samuel 28:12.
Leviticus 19:31: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These verses condemn divination and necromancy, which is what Saul resorted to in 1 Samuel 28:12.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Contradiction with Isaiah 8:19
This verse advises consulting God instead of spirits, opposing Saul's action of consulting a medium in 1 Samuel 28:12.
Isaiah 8:19: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
Here it states that Saul's consultation with a medium led to his death, contradicting his attempt to seek help through one in 1 Samuel 28:12.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14: So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it]; [committed: Heb. transgressed]
Contradiction with Exodus 22:18
This verse commands that sorceresses should not be allowed to live, opposing the interaction in 1 Samuel 28:12.
Exodus 22:18: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 28:12 could be seen as a contradiction because it involves the appearance of the Prophet Samuel's spirit, which conflicts with other biblical teachings that discourage or condemn contacting the dead or practicing necromancy. This raises questions about the nature of the event and God’s role in it, given the biblical prohibitions against such practices.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 28:12 can raise questions about the Bible's teachings on communication with the dead. The incident involves King Saul consulting a medium to contact the prophet Samuel, which conflicts with earlier biblical teachings that forbid necromancy or seeking out mediums, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. This presents a contradiction regarding whether it is ever acceptable to seek information from the dead.
Paradox #3
This verse describes an event where a medium successfully contacts the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This can be seen as a contradiction or inconsistency because other parts of the Bible discourage or condemn the practice of necromancy, which is contacting the dead. It raises questions about how such an act could be possible or permitted if it goes against other biblical teachings.
Paradox #4
Some people might see a contradiction between this verse and the scientific understanding of the afterlife. In science, there is no evidence to support communication with the dead or the existence of spirits that can be contacted. This verse describes an event that suggests such communication is possible, which conflicts with the scientific view.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this situation could relate to the practice of seeking guidance through forbidden means. In the context of broader biblical teachings, consulting with a medium or engaging in necromancy is often condemned, as it goes against trusting and seeking guidance directly from God. This creates an inconsistency, as actions taken in this verse contradict other moral teachings within the Bible.