Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 5:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 5:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 5:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, God showed that He was more powerful than the statue of the false god, Dagon, by making it fall down and breaking it. This was a way to teach the people that no statue or fake god is as strong as Him.

1 Samuel 5:4: And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon [was] fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands [were] cut off upon the threshold; only [the stump of] Dagon was left to him. [the stump...: or, the fishy part]

Contradiction with Isaiah 37:19

This verse mentions idols being destroyed, which contradicts 1 Samuel 5:4, where the idol is not entirely obliterated but falls apart in a specific manner.

Isaiah 37:19: And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. [cast: Heb. given]

Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-7

Describes idols as immobile and powerless, contradicting the narrative of the idol's hands and head being removed by divine action.

Psalm 115:4-7: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3-5

Prohibits idol worship and portrays God as against idols existing, conflicting with 1 Samuel 5:4 where the idol Dagon exists and is acted upon.

Exodus 20:3-5: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-11

Criticizes idol makers and their work as futile, in contrast to 1 Samuel 5:4 where the idol is treated as an object of power that falls before the Ark.

Isaiah 44:9-11: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:3-5

Expresses that idols cannot move or affect their surroundings, which contrasts with Dagon falling and breaking in 1 Samuel 5:4.

Jeremiah 10:3-5: For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. [customs...: Heb. statutes, or, ordinances are vanity]
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