Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:15
This verse instructs Israel to appoint a king chosen by God, contradicting the people's desire to choose a king like surrounding nations.
Deuteronomy 17:15: Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother.
Contradiction with Judges 8:23
Gideon refuses kingship, stating the Lord will rule, opposing the request for a human king in 1 Samuel 8:20.
Judges 8:23: And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:12
Acknowledges the error of asking for a king, which contradicts the people's desire in 1 Samuel 8:20 for a king to lead them.
1 Samuel 12:12: And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God [was] your king.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 10:19
Samuel emphasizes rejecting God as king by asking for a human king, against 1 Samuel 8:20's desire for monarchial leadership.
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.
Contradiction with Hosea 13:10
Illustrates God's disapproval of Israel's request for a king, opposing the desire expressed in 1 Samuel 8:20 for an earthly ruler.
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?]
Paradox #1
1 Samuel 8:20 can be seen as contradictory because it shows the Israelites wanting a human king to lead them, while earlier teachings emphasize that God is their true king and leader. This suggests a conflict between having human leadership and trusting in divine guidance.
Paradox #2
1 Samuel 8:20 could be seen as conflicting with the idea of God being the true king and leader of Israel. In this verse, the Israelites ask for a human king to lead them, like other nations, which can be seen as rejecting God's direct rule over them. This could be inconsistent with the belief that God should be their only king and ruler.
Paradox #3
1 Samuel 8:20 reflects the Israelites' desire to have a king to lead them and fight their battles, like other nations. The contradiction or inconsistency here is that earlier in the Bible, particularly in the books of Deuteronomy and Judges, God was considered the true king of Israel, and the Israelites were warned against wanting a human king like other nations. This creates a conflict between God's earlier guidance and the people's request.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict in 1 Samuel 8:20 could be seen in the desire of the Israelites to have a king to lead them like other nations, which conflicts with the idea of God being their only ruler. This reflects a tension between following human desires for conformity and the divine plan that God had set for them, challenging the belief in God’s ultimate authority and guidance.