Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 6:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 6:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 6:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of 1 Samuel, the Philistines gave back golden lumps to God as a way of saying sorry for taking something they shouldn't have. Each lump was for a different city, showing they wanted to make things right with God.

1 Samuel 6:17: And these [are] the golden emerods which the Philistines returned [for] a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:3

Whereas 1 Samuel 6:17 describes a specific offering made by the Philistines, Proverbs 21:3 states that to do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice, suggesting a preference for ethical behavior over ritual offerings.

Proverbs 21:3: To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11

This verse expresses God's disinterest in the multitude of sacrifices, contrasting with 1 Samuel 6:17 where sacrifices are highlighted as significant, implying a contradiction in the importance placed on sacrifices.

Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]

Contradiction with Hosea 6:6

Hosea emphasizes that God desires mercy rather than sacrifice, which contrasts with the sacrificial offerings emphasized in 1 Samuel 6:17, presenting a differing view on what is valued by God.

Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

Prophet Samuel here declares that obedience is better than sacrifice, which stands in contrast to the focus on sacrifices in 1 Samuel 6:17, suggesting that obedience holds greater value.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.
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