Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 4:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 4:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 4:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, the woman named her baby Ichabod because she felt very sad and believed that God's special presence had left her people. This was because the important Ark of God was taken away and her family members had died.

1 Samuel 4:21: And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. [Ichabod: that is, Where is the glory? or, There is no glory]

Contradiction with Psalm 18:2

This verse describes God as a source of strength and refuge, contrasting the despair and loss expressed in 1 Samuel 4:21.

Psalm 18:2: The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower. [my strength: Heb. my rock]

Contradiction with Romans 8:39

This verse assures that nothing can separate us from the love of God, contradicting the sense of God's glory departing in 1 Samuel 4:21.

Romans 8:39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Contradiction with Matthew 28:20

Jesus promises His enduring presence, contradicting the feeling of God's absence indicated in 1 Samuel 4:21.

Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 31:6

God promises to never leave nor forsake His people, contrasting the departure of glory described in 1 Samuel 4:21.

Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5

This verse reassures believers of God's continual presence, opposing the theme of divine departure in 1 Samuel 4:21.

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.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in 1 Samuel 4:21 could be seen in the idea of placing divine glory in conflict with human suffering. The verse reflects a moment when the glory of God is perceived to depart due to the capture of the Ark. This could be morally challenging because it implies that God's presence is conditional on a physical object and that human tragedy and suffering are linked to divine absence. This can create tension with the belief that God is always present and compassionate, regardless of human circumstances.

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