Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 4:4

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

According to the author of 1 Samuel, the people wanted to bring a special and holy box called the ark, which was kept in Shiloh and was believed to be where God stayed with His angels. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with this special box.

1 Samuel 4:4: So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.

Contradiction with Exodus 25:22

Describes God speaking to Moses above the mercy seat, suggesting a unique and divine presence associated with the Ark, whereas 1 Samuel 4:4 implies the Ark can be captured, questioning the invulnerability of the divine presence.

Exodus 25:22: And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 6:7

God strikes Uzzah dead for touching the Ark, signifying its holiness and power, contradictory to 1 Samuel 4:4 where the Ark is taken by the Philistines without immediate divine retribution.

2 Samuel 6:7: And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for [his] error; and there he died by the ark of God. [error: or, rashness]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 3:16

Suggests a future where the Ark will not be mentioned or remembered, contradicting 1 Samuel 4:4 which emphasizes its significant presence and divine importance among the Israelites.

Jeremiah 3:16: And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit [it]; neither shall [that] be done any more. [come to mind: Heb. come upon the heart] [that...: or, it be magnified]

Contradiction with Revelation 21:3

Describes God's dwelling among people directly, contradicting the concept in 1 Samuel 4:4 where God's presence is specifically associated with the Ark.

Revelation 21:3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in relation to 1 Samuel 4:4 involves the reference to the Ark of the Covenant and its location, as well as the presence of certain characters in the narrative. Some inconsistencies arise with different biblical accounts about the ark's positioning in relation to other events or discrepancies in timelines regarding the priests mentioned. These variations can cause questions about the historical sequence or accuracy.

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