Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 4:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 4:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 4:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, this verse tells us that a battle went very badly for the Israelites. Many people died, including two important men, and something very special to them, called the ark of God, was taken away by their enemies.

1 Samuel 4:17: And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 2:32

This verse implies the affliction of Eli's house, which contrasts with the assurance and continuity of leadership through Eli's family as suggested in his role as a judge and priest.

1 Samuel 2:32: And thou shalt see an enemy [in my] habitation, in all [the wealth] which [God] shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. [an enemy...: or, the affliction of the tabernacle, for all the wealth which God would have given Israel]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 3:18

Eli accepts God's will calmly, whereas 1 Samuel 4:17 depicts a devastating loss for him.

1 Samuel 3:18: And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. [every...: Heb. all the things, or, words]

Contradiction with Exodus 17:11

Victory comes from divine support unlike the defeat faced in 1 Samuel 4:17 despite the presence of the Ark.

Exodus 17:11: And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:4

The promise of God's deliverance in battle contrasts with the defeat of Israel and the capture of the Ark.

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 6:20

The fall of Jericho shows triumph with God's aid, opposing the loss in 1 Samuel 4:17 despite the Ark's presence.

Joshua 6:20: So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. [flat: Heb. under it]
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