Contradiction with Exodus 20:12
This verse promises long life for honoring one’s parents, while 1 Samuel 2:31 foretells a shortening of life for Eli's descendants because of their sins.
Exodus 20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:16
Similar to Exodus 20:12, it suggests long life as a result of honoring parents, in contrast to the curse of a shortened lifespan in 1 Samuel 2:31.
Deuteronomy 5:16: Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:1-2
These verses imply that following God's commandments leads to long life and peace, opposing the prophecy in 1 Samuel 2:31 that Eli's lineage would lose their strength and longevity.
Proverbs 3:1-2: My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Contradiction with Proverbs 10:27
Suggests that the fear of the Lord prolongs days, whereas 1 Samuel 2:31 predicts reduced lifespans, highlighting a contrast based on obedience vs. disobedience.
Proverbs 10:27: The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. [prolongeth: Heb. addeth]
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:2-3
Promises well-being and long life for honoring one's parents, which contradicts the cut-off and shortened life described in 1 Samuel 2:31 for disobedience and disrespect.
Ephesians 6:2-3: Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 2:31 might be seen as a contradiction when compared to God's promise of blessings to Eli's house in earlier scriptures. This verse predicts the downfall of Eli's family, which could seem inconsistent with previous assurances of continued priesthood from Eli's lineage. This presents a challenge in understanding how divine promises and human actions interact and affect each other in Biblical narratives.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 2:31 talks about a prophecy concerning the downfall of Eli's priestly house. The contradiction or inconsistency arises when considering other biblical accounts where descendants of Eli’s lineage, like Abiathar, continue to serve as priests for some time after the prophecy. This seems to conflict with the idea that his lineage would quickly end.
Paradox #3
This Bible verse could show a contradiction in the sense that it talks about punishment that affects future generations for the wrongdoings of their ancestors. This idea might conflict with modern views of justice, where individuals are typically held accountable for their own actions rather than being punished for the actions of others. Some people may find it inconsistent or unfair to see future descendants punished for something they did not do.