Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 28:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 28:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 28:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, Saul was so scared by what Samuel's spirit told him that he fell down on the ground because he had not eaten anything all day and night. He was really weak and afraid because of the bad news he heard.

1 Samuel 28:20: Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. [fell...: Heb. made haste, and fell with the fulness of his stature]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12

These verses condemn practices such as contacting the dead, which Saul engaged in before his collapse in 1 Samuel 28:20.

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 Leviticus 19:31

Saul's action of consulting a medium contradicts the command to not turn to mediums.

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 Isaiah 8:19

This verse warns against seeking out mediums, directly opposing Saul's actions prior to his fear and fainting.

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 is stated that Saul died for consulting a medium, contradicting any idea that such an act could provide help.

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

The contradiction or inconsistency of this verse could relate to the broader narrative concerning the prohibition against consulting mediums and the consequence of such actions. In the Bible, seeking guidance from the dead or engaging in divination is condemned, yet in this instance, Saul seeks information through a medium. This might appear contradictory to the established laws in other parts of scripture, creating tension around the enforcement and adherence to these religious rules.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in 1 Samuel 28:20 could stem from the broader context where Saul seeks guidance from a medium, which goes against God's laws against witchcraft and consulting the dead. Saul's actions show a conflict between knowing what God commands and acting out of desperation, highlighting inconsistency in following faith principles.

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