Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This verse condemns practices such as witchcraft and consulting with familiar spirits, which contradicts Saul's act of seeking the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28:23.
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 20:27
This verse prescribes death for those who seek familiar spirits, contrasting with Saul seeking guidance through a medium in 1 Samuel 28:23.
Leviticus 20:27: A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood [shall be] upon them.
Contradiction with Isaiah 8:19
This verse advises against seeking mediums and familiar spirits for guidance, contradicting the actions taken in 1 Samuel 28:23.
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 indicates that seeking a medium was one reason for Saul's downfall, contrary to the seemingly ordinary narrative of 1 Samuel 28:23.
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 moral conflict in 1 Samuel 28:23 could involve the issue of seeking guidance through forbidden means. This part of the story shows Saul consulting a medium after God had stopped communicating with him. According to biblical teachings, consulting mediums is considered wrong, creating a contradiction between accepting help from wrong sources and following God's commands.