Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 12:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 12:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 12:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of 2 Samuel, David prayed and did not eat because he was very sad and wanted God to make his sick child better. He even lay on the ground all night, hoping God would help.

2 Samuel 12:16: David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. [fasted: Heb. fasted a fast]

Contradiction with Proverbs 28:9

Indicates that those who turn away from hearing the law, even their prayer is an abomination, contradicting the implication that David's prayers might be favorably heard.

Proverbs 28:9: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

Contradiction with Isaiah 1:15

God states He will not listen to the many prayers due to people's hands being full of blood, contradicting the idea that David's prayer might be effective despite his sins.

Isaiah 1:15: And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. [make...: Heb. multiply prayer] [blood: Heb. bloods]

Contradiction with James 4:3

Explains that prayers can be denied because they are asked with wrong motives, conflicting with the assumption that David's sincere prayer would be answered.

James 4:3: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. [lusts: or, pleasures]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:16

God instructs not to pray for the people because He will not hear, which contradicts the notion that all sincere prayers, like David's, could be considered.

Jeremiah 7:16: Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.

Contradiction with John 9:31

States that God doesn't listen to sinners, which contradicts the expectation that David's fasting and prayer would be favorably answered despite his sins.

John 9:31: Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in 2 Samuel 12:16 could arise from the situation where David prays and pleads for mercy for his sick child, after committing sins that led to the child's suffering. This can create a conflict in understanding justice and responsibility, as it raises questions about the consequences of one's actions and the suffering of innocent ones because of others' wrongdoings.

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