Contradiction with Proverbs 13:24
While 2 Samuel 13:37 portrays a father's love in mourning, Proverbs 13:24 states that sparing the rod is a lack of love, implying different parental responses to children's actions.
Proverbs 13:24: He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:4
2 Samuel 13:37 shows David deeply affected by his son's departure, while Ephesians 6:4 advises fathers not to provoke their children to wrath, which could be seen as a different parental engagement.
Ephesians 6:4: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 22:6
This verse emphasizes training a child properly, which contrasts with David’s inaction in disciplining Amnon or reconciling with Absalom, events leading up to 2 Samuel 13:37.
Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. [Train...: or, Catechise] [in...: Heb. in his way]
Contradiction with Proverbs 29:15
Suggests that a child left to themselves brings shame, which contradicts with David’s passive mourning in 2 Samuel 13:37 rather than addressing the actions of his sons.
Proverbs 29:15: The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.
Contradiction with Hebrews 12:7
Speaks of enduring chastening as a sign of God's love, which contrasts with David's grief and passive response to his children’s actions, as depicted in 2 Samuel 13:37.
Hebrews 12:7: If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Contradiction with Proverbs 19:18
Advises disciplining a son while there is hope and warns against destruction, contrasting the non-confrontational mourning of David in 2 Samuel 13:37 after Absalom's actions.
Proverbs 19:18: Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. [for...: or, to his destruction: or, to cause him to die]
Contradiction with Colossians 3:21
Advises fathers not to provoke their children, presenting a proactive role that differs from the grief-stricken and passive demeanor of David in 2 Samuel 13:37.
Colossians 3:21: Fathers, provoke not your children [to anger], lest they be discouraged.
Contradiction with Proverbs 23:13-14
Encourages correction of children, a stance that contrasts with David’s sorrowful reaction and lack of earlier corrective action in 2 Samuel 13:37.
Proverbs 23:13-14: Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Paradox #1
In some translations of the Bible, there might be confusion about whether Absalom fled to Talmai or whether David mourned for his son long after the incident. This is due to differences in wording or context that could lead to varied interpretations.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency could lie in the contrasting emotions and actions. While there is a familial tension and sorrow depicted, other parts of the story involve justice and revenge. This situation highlights the conflict between personal feelings of grief and the broader moral implications of justice within a family.