Contradiction with 1 Samuel 5:7
This verse shows the Philistines attributing power and destruction to the Ark of God, contradicting their initial skepticism in 1 Samuel 4:8.
1 Samuel 5:7: And when the men of Ashdod saw that [it was] so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god.
Contradiction with Joshua 6:16
This verse describes the Israelites' success meaning God's power is with Israel, contrary to Philistines thinking they might defeat Israelites in 1 Samuel 4:8.
Joshua 6:16: And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
Contradiction with Psalm 96:5
Declares the Lord as the only true God, contrasting with the Philistines' perception of multiple gods being responsible in 1 Samuel 4:8.
Psalm 96:5: For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:23
Shows God's covenant and mercy with Israel alone, opposing the Philistine's view of the gods' power over all nations in 1 Samuel 4:8.
1 Kings 8:23: And he said, LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:
Contradiction with Exodus 18:11
Suggests the LORD is greater than all gods, which conflicts with the Philistine's perspective of simply fearing multiple gods in 1 Samuel 4:8.
Exodus 18:11: Now I know that the LORD [is] greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly [he was] above them.
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
Affirms exclusivity of God's glory, which contradicts the belief in the power of several gods as expressed in 1 Samuel 4:8.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in 1 Samuel 4:8 could be related to the Philistines expressing fear of the Israelites' God based on stories about the plagues in Egypt. However, historically, it's unclear how the Philistines, a sea people with different origins and culture, would have had detailed knowledge of these Israelite traditions. This might create a potential inconsistency regarding the spread and influence of these stories at that time.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the portrayal of God as both a powerful and fearsome entity who helped the Israelites in the past, while at the same time allowing them to experience defeat in this context. This can create confusion about God's consistent support and protection. Why would a loving and protective God allow such events to happen? This can be seen as inconsistent with the idea of a consistently supportive deity.