Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 6:6

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

According to the author of 1 Samuel, this verse teaches Christians not to be stubborn like Pharaoh was in the story of Moses. It reminds them to listen to God and let go of what He says to let go of, just as Pharaoh eventually had to let God's people leave.

1 Samuel 6:6: Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? [wonderfully: or, reproachfully] [the people: Heb. them]

Contradiction with Genesis 6:5

This verse attributes the hardness of man's heart to inherent wickedness, contradicting 1 Samuel 6:6, which suggests the hardening of hearts is an external act of God.

Genesis 6:5: And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually. [every...: or, the whole imagination: the Hebrew word signifieth not only the imagination, but also the purposes and desires] [continually: Heb. every day]

Contradiction with Exodus 7:3

Here, God actively hardens Pharaoh's heart, while 1 Samuel 6:6 implies it's a human choice.

Exodus 7:3: And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 11:19

God promises to remove the stony heart, contrasting with the warning in 1 Samuel 6:6 against hardening one's heart.

Ezekiel 11:19: And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Contradiction with Hebrews 3:8

This verse advises not to harden the heart as a choice, differing from 1 Samuel 6:6, which reflects on past actions.

Hebrews 3:8: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Contradiction with Matthew 13:15

People's hearts are described as having grown dull by their own doing, contrasting the implication in 1 Samuel 6:6.

Matthew 13:15: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in 1 Samuel 6:6 could be seen in the punishment and suffering endured by the Egyptians, which raises questions about collective punishment. It suggests God hardened their hearts, leading to the plagues. This can conflict with ideas of free will and fairness, as it questions why people should be punished if their actions result from a divine influence on their decision-making.

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