Contradiction with Leviticus 19:31
Warns against seeking out mediums, which is what Saul has done by visiting the woman.
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
Condemns the practice of consulting familiar spirits, which Saul engages in.
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
Advises against consulting the dead, contrasting Saul's actions in the verse.
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
States that Saul died partially because he consulted a medium, contradicting the idea that what he did was acceptable.
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
This verse might raise a contradiction relating to the broader biblical teachings against consulting mediums or engaging in practices considered as witchcraft. Earlier, the Bible forbids such actions in verses like Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Yet, this passage depicts a scenario where these prohibitions are bypassed, which could seem inconsistent with the general biblical stance on such matters.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or inconsistency with 1 Samuel 28:21 could be about the practice of consulting a medium or spiritist. This is because other parts of the Bible strongly condemn and forbid such actions, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 18:10-12. There is tension between this story and those prohibitions.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency regarding this verse relates to the larger biblical narrative about Saul and his adherence to God's laws. In the context of 1 Samuel, Saul had previously expelled all mediums and spiritists from the land as per God’s commandments. Yet, in this instance, Saul seeks out a medium at Endor to contact the prophet Samuel, which contradicts his earlier actions and the laws he was supposed to uphold as a king. This inconsistency highlights Saul's desperation and the conflict between his role as a king guided by divine law and his personal actions.
Paradox #4
The moral conflict in this verse could be seen as a contradiction between King Saul's actions and his ethical responsibilities. Saul seeks guidance from a medium, which goes against his own previous laws and the rules set by his faith. This shows a conflict between his desperation and his moral or religious duties.