Contradiction with Leviticus 19:31
This verse forbids seeking out those with familiar spirits, which contradicts Saul's action of consulting a woman with a familiar spirit in 1 Samuel 28:13.
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 18:10-11
These verses prohibit any form of divination or consulting with familiar spirits, which Saul does in 1 Samuel 28:13.
Deuteronomy 18:10-11: 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 against seeking spirits and instead suggests seeking God, contrary to what Saul does in 1 Samuel 28:13.
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
This passage states that Saul's death was partly because he consulted a familiar spirit, highlighting a contradiction in his seeking guidance in 1 Samuel 28:13.
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]
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 28:13 could raise questions about involvement with spirits and the dead, which contradicts other biblical teachings advising against contacting or consulting with spirits, such as those found in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. This could be seen as inconsistent with the prohibition against engaging in necromancy or witchcraft.
Paradox #2
One possible contradiction with 1 Samuel 28:13 is that the Bible generally teaches against necromancy or communicating with the dead (as in Deuteronomy 18:10-12), yet in this verse, a spirit is apparently summoned and speaks. This raises questions about the consistency of the biblical stance on interacting with the spirit world.
Paradox #3
1 Samuel 28:13 involves a moment where a medium communicates with the dead, which contradicts other parts of the Bible that discourage or forbid practices like necromancy and consulting spirits, such as Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12. This creates a contradiction in the biblical stance on interacting with the spirit world.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in the verse involving someone seeing a spirit could relate to the fact that science does not recognize spirits or ghosts as real entities. From a scientific perspective, there's no evidence or proof that spirits exist, as they cannot be measured, tested, or observed using current scientific methods. This contrasts with biblical narratives that include supernatural elements.
Paradox #5
The potential contradiction in 1 Samuel 28:13 could be that earlier in the Bible, consulting with mediums or spiritists is discouraged and seen as wrong. However, in this verse, there is an instance where communication with a spirit happens, creating a conflict between the guidance against such practices and the actions described.