Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 8:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 8:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 8:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Samuel, when Samuel got old, he decided to make his sons the leaders to help the people of Israel. Christians often understand this as Samuel trying to let his sons take care of his important work.

1 Samuel 8:1: And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 4:1

1 Samuel 8:1 speaks of the appointment of judges, while 1 Kings 4:1 describes King Solomon reigning over all Israel, suggesting direct monarchical rule as opposed to a system of judges.

1 Kings 4:1: So king Solomon was king over all Israel.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:14-15

These verses anticipate the establishment of a king by divine approval, contradicting the reluctance implied in 1 Samuel 8:1 regarding the selection of centralized leadership.

Deuteronomy 17:14-15: When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;

Contradiction with Judges 21:25

This verse notes that there was no king in Israel and implies a lack of order, contrasting with the governance system initiated in 1 Samuel 8:1 through the appointment of judges.

Judges 21:25: In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes.

Contradiction with Hosea 13:10

This verse questions the need for a king, contrasting with 1 Samuel 8:1 where the failure of judges leads to a demand for centralized leadership.

Hosea 13:10: I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? [I will...: rather, Where is thy king?]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 10:19

Here, the rejection of God as king through the request for a human king contradicts the initial setting of judges as leaders seen in 1 Samuel 8:1.

1 Samuel 10:19: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.
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