Contradiction with 1 Samuel 10:19
This verse contradicts 1 Samuel 8:22 because it highlights Israel's rejection of God as their king, even after previously insisting on having a human king.
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 13:11
This verse implies that God later regrets or is displeased with granting Israel's request for a king, in contrast to His compliance in 1 Samuel 8:22.
Hosea 13:11: I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.
Contradiction with Judges 8:23
Gideon states the LORD will rule over Israel, contradicting the acceptance of a human king in 1 Samuel 8:22.
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 Deuteronomy 17:14-15
These verses provide regulations for selecting a king, suggesting a divine allowance but contrasting with the initial reluctance shown in 1 Samuel 8:22.
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 1 Samuel 12:12
This verse reflects the people's continued insistence on having a king despite God's authority, which contradicts the acceptance in 1 Samuel 8:22.
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.
Paradox #1
The theological conflict in 1 Samuel 8:22 arises from the tension between God's authority and human desires. Initially, God was supposed to be the direct ruler of the Israelites, but they demanded a human king to lead them, like other nations. This request is seen as a rejection of God's rule, yet God instructs Samuel to grant their request. This creates a conflict between divine authority and human free will, as well as the potential consequences of rejecting God's direct leadership.
Paradox #2
The possible contradiction in 1 Samuel 8:22 is related to God's approval of establishing a monarchy for Israel, which seems to conflict with earlier warnings against having a human king. Initially, God warns that a king could lead people away from His guidance and impose hardships on them. This could appear inconsistent as God later allows, and even supports, the anointing of Saul as the first king. The perceived contradiction is between God permitting something He initially discouraged. However, some interpret this as God respecting human free will despite potential consequences.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict could be that God instructs Samuel to listen to the people's demand for a king, despite previously warning them about the negative consequences of having one. This could suggest a conflict between following divine guidance and granting human desires, even when those desires may lead to adverse outcomes.