Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 6:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 6:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 6:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, when the five leaders of the Philistines saw what had happened, they went back to their city, Ekron, that day. They realized that God was powerful and wanted to leave quickly.

1 Samuel 6:16: And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen [it], they returned to Ekron the same day.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 6:19

Here, the Lord strikes down 50,070 men for looking into the Ark, contrasting with 1 Samuel 6:16, where the return of the Ark leads to rejoicing and peace.

1 Samuel 6:19: And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 6:7

God strikes Uzzah for touching the Ark, contradicting the joy and safety in 1 Samuel 6:16 with its mere return without consequence.

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 Numbers 4:15

This verse states that touching the holy things leads to death, whereas in 1 Samuel 6:16, proximity to the Ark brings joy rather than death.

Numbers 4:15: And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 19:35

The Angel of the Lord kills 185,000 Assyrians in one night, contrasting with the peace and lack of immediate judgment in 1 Samuel 6:16.

2 Kings 19:35: And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

Contradiction with Genesis 6:7

God decides to destroy humanity due to its wickedness, in stark contrast to the joyful acceptance of the Ark among the Israelites in 1 Samuel 6:16.

Genesis 6:7: And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. [both...: Heb. from man unto beast]
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.