Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Samuel 9:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Samuel 9:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Samuel 9:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Saul is surprised when he is chosen for something special because he thinks his family is not important and his tribe is the smallest in Israel. He wonders why someone would talk to him about doing big things.

1 Samuel 9:21: And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? [so...: Heb. according to this word]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:6

States that the Israelites are a chosen people above all others, whereas 1 Samuel 9:21 has Saul expressing his low status.

Deuteronomy 7:6: For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 1:5

Speaks of being chosen or destined before birth, contrasting Saul's claim of insignificance.

Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. [ordained: Heb. gave]

Contradiction with Judges 6:15

Gideon also speaks of being the least, contradicting the idea that God often chooses the lowly, as 1 Samuel 9:21 suggests.

Judges 6:15: And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family [is] poor in Manasseh, and I [am] the least in my father's house. [my family...: Heb. my thousand is the meanest]

Contradiction with Exodus 19:5-6

Declares Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, contrasting Saul's feeling of insignificance.

Exodus 19:5-6: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27

Suggests God chooses the weak and lowly to shame the wise, providing a divine purpose to such status unlike Saul's lament in 1 Samuel 9:21.

1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
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