Contradiction with Jeremiah 1:5
Jeremiah was known by God before he was formed, suggesting a divine connection before knowing the Lord, contrasting with Samuel who did not yet know the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. [ordained: Heb. gave]
Contradiction with John 10:14
Jesus states that He knows His sheep and they know Him, indicating a mutual recognition, unlike Samuel who did not yet know the Lord.
John 10:14: I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.
Contradiction with Hebrews 8:11
States that all shall know the Lord, implying a universal knowledge of God, whereas Samuel did not yet know Him.
Hebrews 8:11: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
Contradiction with Acts 17:27
Suggests that God is not far from any one of us, implying accessibility, contrasting with Samuel's lack of knowing the Lord.
Acts 17:27: That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that Samuel did not yet know the Lord because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The potential contradiction could be that in earlier chapters, it is indicated that Samuel ministered before the Lord, which might imply some level of knowledge or relationship with God. This could seem inconsistent to some readers as they might expect that ministering would involve knowing God. However, it's often explained that Samuel's personal prophetic relationship with God had not yet begun.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 3:7 might seem inconsistent with the idea that Samuel was already serving God, as it implies he didn't yet know the Lord personally. This could raise questions about how one can serve without a personal relationship with God. However, it can also be understood that Samuel was still young and learning, and his personal experience with God was just beginning to develop.
Paradox #3
The contradiction might be about the timeline of Samuel's knowledge of God. Earlier passages suggest that Samuel was serving in the temple and had experiences related to God, but this verse implies he did not yet know God personally. This can seem inconsistent with his previous roles.