Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 4:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 4:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 4:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, a man came to Eli and told him that he had run away from the army, and Eli asked him what had happened. It's like when someone comes to you with important news, and you ask them to tell you everything.

1 Samuel 4:16: And the man said unto Eli, I [am] he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son? [is...: Heb. is the thing]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:29

This verse states that God does not change His mind or lie, potentially contradicting 1 Samuel 4:16 where God allows the Israelites to suffer defeat, implying a change in expected divine favor.

1 Samuel 15:29: And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent. [Strength: or, Eternity, or, Victory]

Contradiction with Numbers 23:19

Emphasizes that God does not lie or repent, suggesting consistency, which conflicts with the perception of divine abandonment in 1 Samuel 4:16.

Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:4

Assures that God goes with His people to fight against their enemies and save them, contradicting the defeat of Israel in 1 Samuel 4:16.

Deuteronomy 20:4: For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Contradiction with Joshua 1:5

Promises that no one will be able to stand against God's people, opposing the outcome in 1 Samuel 4:16 where the Israelites are defeated.

Joshua 1:5: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5

Expresses the idea that God will never leave or forsake His people, differing from the perceived forsaking of Israel in 1 Samuel 4:16.

Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Contradiction with Romans 8:31

States that if God is for us, no one can be against us, contradicting the defeat described in 1 Samuel 4:16.

Romans 8:31: What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?
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