Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 5:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 5:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 5:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, the Philistine leaders were very scared because bad things were happening to their city. They thought sending the ark of God back to the Israelites would stop the trouble and keep them safe.

1 Samuel 5:11: So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. [us not...: Heb. me not, and my]

Contradiction with Psalm 115:3

This verse states "But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased," affirming God's omnipotence and purposefulness, which may contradict the notion of God acting reactively as seen in 1 Samuel 5:11 where the Philistines respond to the distress caused by God's presence without acknowledging His power and sovereignty directly.

Psalm 115:3: But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Contradiction with Luke 6:27

This verse, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you," contradicts the hostile and fearful reaction of the Philistines toward the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel 5:11, emphasizing love and goodwill rather than fear and rejection.

Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Paradox #1

In 1 Samuel 5:11, a potential contradiction could be related to the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Philistine territory. The story describes the Ark causing problems wherever it is taken by the Philistines, which some scholars might argue lacks historical evidence or context, as there are limited external historical records corroborating this event. Thus, the narrative could be seen as more theological than historical.

Paradox #2

The potential contradiction in 1 Samuel 5:11 could be seen in the way it depicts God's power causing suffering to those who are not part of the chosen people, raising questions about fairness and mercy. This could be seen as inconsistent with the concept of a just and loving deity.

← 1 Samuel 5:10
Share
1 Samuel 5:12 →
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.