Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 4:2

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 4:2 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 4:2. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of 1 Samuel, this means that the Philistines lined up to fight against the Israelites and when the battle happened, the Israelites lost and many of their soldiers were hurt or killed. This shows that the Israelites were having a really hard time in this fight.

1 Samuel 4:2: And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. [they joined...: Heb. the battle was spread] [army: Heb. array]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:51

This verse describes the Israelites achieving victory over the Philistines through David's triumph over Goliath, which contrasts the defeat they experienced in 1 Samuel 4:2.

1 Samuel 17:51: Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

Contradiction with Joshua 10:42

This verse notes that Joshua captured all the kings and their land at one time because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel, contradicting the defeat in 1 Samuel 4:2.

Joshua 10:42: And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.

Contradiction with Judges 7:22

This verse details how the Lord set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole Philistine army, resulting in their defeat, contrary to the events in 1 Samuel 4:2.

Judges 7:22: And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath. [in: or, toward] [border: Heb. lip]

Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 20:22

In this verse, when the Israelites began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushments against their enemies, leading to their defeat, unlike the loss Israel faced in 1 Samuel 4:2.

2 Chronicles 20:22: And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. [And when...: Heb. And in the time that they, etc] [to sing...: Heb. in singing and praise] [they were...: or, they smote one another]

Contradiction with Exodus 14:30

The LORD saved Israel from the Egyptians in this verse, showing deliverance and victory, which contradicts the defeat they faced at the hands of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:2.

Exodus 14:30: Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

Contradiction with Judges 3:10

This verse recounts how the Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, enabling him to prevail against Israel's enemies, opposing the defeat Israel suffers in 1 Samuel 4:2.

Judges 3:10: And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. [came: Heb. was] [Mesopotamia: Heb. Aram]

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 5:25

David and his men smite the Philistines from Geba to Gezer, a direct contrast to the Israelites' defeat by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:2.

2 Samuel 5:25: And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer. [Geba: also called, Gibeon]
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