Contradiction with Proverbs 21:31
This verse states, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD," emphasizing that victory and safety come from God, not from the Ark, contradicting the Israelites' belief in 1 Samuel 4:3 that bringing the Ark would secure their victory.
Proverbs 21:31: The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. [safety: or, victory]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:4
This verse says, "Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these," warning against trusting in physical symbols like the temple (or Ark) for deliverance, contrary to the mindset in 1 Samuel 4:3.
Jeremiah 7:4: Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, [are] these.
Contradiction with Psalm 20:7
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God," highlighting trust in God over physical objects, which opposes the reliance on the Ark for deliverance in 1 Samuel 4:3.
Psalm 20:7: Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 31:1
This verse says, "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots," cautioning against relying on physical strength or objects for salvation, conflicting with the reliance on the Ark in 1 Samuel 4:3.
Isaiah 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Contradiction with Matthew 23:16
"Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing," condemning the misplaced trust in the temple as a physical object, analogous to the misplaced trust in the Ark in 1 Samuel 4:3.
Matthew 23:16: Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
Paradox #1
Theological Conflict: Some might argue that this verse suggests using religious objects like the Ark of the Covenant as a tool to secure God's favor, which might seem to contradict the broader biblical teaching that genuine faith and obedience, rather than reliance on objects or rituals, secure God's presence and help.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 4:3 might present a doctrinal issue related to the belief in the misuse of religious symbols. The Israelites treated the Ark of the Covenant like a magical object that could guarantee victory. This can conflict with the understanding that true faith and obedience to God, rather than reliance on objects or rituals themselves, are what matter in a relationship with God.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency in this verse could involve the belief in using religious symbols or objects to ensure victory or protection, which may conflict with the idea that faith and moral actions should be the true foundation of trust. This reliance on a symbol rather than on one's actions or relationship with the divine could be seen as inconsistent with the broader teachings about faith and morality.