Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 4:10

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 4:10 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 4:10. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, this verse tells us that the Philistines fought very hard against the Israelites and won. The battle was so bad that many Israelite soldiers died, and the rest ran back to their homes.

1 Samuel 4:10: And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse instructs to love enemies and bless those who curse, contradicting the war and killing described in 1 Samuel 4:10.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" contradicts the battle and deaths narrated in 1 Samuel 4:10.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Advises against seeking vengeance, contradicting the violent outcome in 1 Samuel 4:10.

Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4

Speaks of beating swords into plowshares and not learning war, contradicting the context of battle in 1 Samuel 4:10.

Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]

Contradiction with Matthew 26:52

States those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword, which contrasts the use of violence suggested by 1 Samuel 4:10.

Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Paradox #1

The contradiction in this verse could revolve around the idea of divine justice. It may seem inconsistent that despite being the chosen people, Israel suffers a significant defeat. This could conflict with the expectation that being chosen by God should always guarantee protection and victory, leading to questions about why they face such dire consequences.

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