Contradiction with 1 Samuel 31:12
Explains how the men from Jabesh-gilead took the bodies of Saul and his sons, contradicting the placement of his body elsewhere in 1 Samuel 31:10.
1 Samuel 31:12: All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 21:12
States that David retrieved the bones of Saul and Jonathan from the people of Jabesh-gilead, which contrasts with their display "in the wall of Bethshan" mentioned in 1 Samuel 31:10.
2 Samuel 21:12: And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 31:10 describes what happens after the death of Saul. However, there might be a contradiction when comparing it with 1 Chronicles 10:10, where the description of events after Saul's death seems different, particularly regarding where and how Saul’s armor and head were displayed. These differing accounts might confuse readers about the exact historical events.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in this verse could be seen in the actions of displaying the body as a trophy, which might conflict with other biblical teachings about respect for the dead and dignity of individuals. This act could be seen as contradictory to values of compassion and honor.