Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 28:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 28:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 28:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, the Philistines were getting ready for a big fight and set up their camp in a place called Shunem, while King Saul gathered the Israelites and set up their camp at a place called Gilboa. This means both groups were preparing for a battle.

1 Samuel 28:4: And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12

These verses condemn practices of divination and consulting the dead, which contradicts Saul seeking the medium at Endor in proximity to the Philistine threat mentioned in 1 Samuel 28:4.

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

This verse instructs against turning to mediums, contradicting the implication in 1 Samuel 28:4 of consulting one as Saul later does in the narrative.

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 discourages consulting the dead, which contrasts with Saul’s actions in 1 Samuel 28:4 context.

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

It states that Saul died for consulting a medium, contradicting the earlier acceptance of seeking others’ counsel in 1 Samuel 28:4’s timeframe.

1 Chronicles 10:13: 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]
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