Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 6:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 6:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 6:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, the people of Bethshemesh were scared because God is so powerful and perfect. They wondered who could be near such a holy God and where He would go next.

1 Samuel 6:20: And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

Contradiction with Numbers 23:19

This verse states that God does not lie, whereas 1 Samuel 6:20 questions who can stand before the holy Lord, implying fallibility.

Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Contradiction with Exodus 33:20

This verse declares no man can see God's face and live, conflicting with the men in 1 Samuel 6:20 who fearfully recognize God's holiness yet are not instantaneously struck dead.

Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Contradiction with Isaiah 40:18

This verse emphasizes that there is no equal to God, opposing the idea in 1 Samuel 6:20 of questioning who can stand before Him as if comparing others to His presence.

Isaiah 40:18: To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

Contradiction with Job 42:2

This verse states that God can do everything and no purpose can be thwarted, contradicting the bewilderment in 1 Samuel 6:20 over His holiness.

Job 42:2: I know that thou canst do every [thing], and [that] no thought can be withholden from thee. [no thought can be...: or, no thought of thine can be hindered]

Contradiction with John 1:18

This verse mentions no one has seen God, opposing 1 Samuel 6:20 where individuals question interacting with the presence of the Lord.

John 1:18: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16

Declares God dwells in unapproachable light, contrasting with the physical nearness implied by the inquiry in 1 Samuel 6:20.

1 Timothy 6:16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Contradiction with Hebrews 12:29

States God is a consuming fire, yet in 1 Samuel 6:20, people question who can stand before Him, implying survival and presence.

Hebrews 12:29: For our God [is] a consuming fire.

Paradox #1

Theological conflict in 1 Samuel 6:20 is about people's fear when God shows His power. It raises questions about the nature of God's presence and human ability to approach holiness without fear or danger. This creates tension between God's holiness and His accessibility to people.

Paradox #2

1 Samuel 6:20 raises questions about the holiness of God and human inability to stand in His presence. Some may see a contradiction or conflict with other verses that speak of God's desire for closeness with humans, such as verses emphasizing God's love and accessibility. The tension lies in God being simultaneously approachable and unapproachable due to His holiness.

Paradox #3

1 Samuel 6:20 could be seen as morally confusing because it deals with the idea of fearing God due to his power and actions. This could raise questions about the nature of God, who is both loving and wrathful, and why people should serve a God they fear. It touches on the tension between reverence and fear in a relationship with God.

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