Contradiction with Numbers 4:15
This verse states that only specific Levites are to handle the holy things, yet 1 Samuel 6:19 implies that people were punished arbitrarily.
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 Numbers 4:20
Contradicts the severe punishment in 1 Samuel 6:19 by specifying that those who look at or touch holy things should only do so under certain conditions, highlighting procedural lapses rather than punishment.
Numbers 4:20: But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
Contradiction with Exodus 19:21-22
Suggests that viewing sacred things could result in death, but emphasizes warning rather than immediate severe punishment as seen in 1 Samuel 6:19.
Exodus 19:21-22: And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. [charge: Heb. contest]
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 6:7
Contradicts by highlighting another instance where touching the ark leads to immediate death, with a seeming lack of grace or warning.
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 1 Chronicles 13:10
Similar to 2 Samuel 6:7, this reference shows another immediate punishment contrasting with the absence of a warning or gradual consequence.
1 Chronicles 13:10: And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 15:2
States that only Levites are permitted to carry the ark, yet does not mention death for looking at sacred objects, contrasting with the punishment in 1 Samuel 6:19.
1 Chronicles 15:2: Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. [None...: Heb. It is not to carry the ark of God, but for the Levites]
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 6:19 presents a potential theological issue regarding God's justice and mercy. The verse describes God striking down a large number of people for looking into the Ark of the Covenant, which might seem harsh or severe, especially if they were unaware of the rules concerning the Ark. This raises questions about the balance between God's holiness and justice with His mercy and forgiveness.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict with "1 Samuel 6:19" arises from the differing accounts of God's character and actions. In this verse, God punishes the people for looking into the Ark, which can seem harsh and unforgiving. This may contrast with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's mercy and forgiveness, leading to questions about the consistency of God's nature in the scriptures.
Paradox #3
This verse has raised questions because it mentions a large number of people being struck down, which some interpret as inconsistent with the nature of a just punishment or with other biblical accounts where smaller communities are impacted. Additionally, the translation and interpretation of numbers in ancient texts can vary, leading to some debate over the accuracy or meaning of the specific figure mentioned.
Paradox #4
The verse could be seen as conflicting with scientific understanding because it describes a large number of individuals being struck down for looking into a sacred chest. Scientifically, there is no natural explanation for people being harmed just by looking at an object, suggesting a supernatural event that doesn't align with known laws of nature.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse could be seen as the punishment being too harsh. It suggests that many people died just for looking at something they shouldn't have. This might seem unfair or excessively strict, especially if their mistake was out of curiosity or lack of knowledge. This can conflict with ideas of forgiving minor wrongdoings.
Paradox #6
The numerical conflict in 1 Samuel 6:19 arises because some translations say that 50,070 men were struck down, which seems inconsistently high and differs from some other historical records or interpretations that question the plausibility of such a number given the population at the time. This has led to debates about whether this is a copying error or a misunderstanding over time.