Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 14:13

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 14:13 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 14:13. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Samuel, the woman is telling the king that he is making a mistake by not bringing back someone who has been sent away from their home. She is saying that the king should be kind and welcome the person back because they belong to God’s people.

2 Samuel 14:13: And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.

Contradiction with Proverbs 17:15

This verse states that justifying the wicked and condemning the just are abominable, contradicting the idea in 2 Samuel 14:13 where seeking forgiveness and overlooking past wrongs in the context of Absalom's return is advocated.

Proverbs 17:15: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20

This verse emphasizes individual responsibility for sin, contradicting the implication in 2 Samuel 14:13 regarding communal or inherited guilt and consequences.

Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:18

It states that God punishes the children for the sins of the parents, in contrast to the plea for mercy and accommodation highlighted in 2 Samuel 14:13.

Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].

Contradiction with Exodus 34:7

It claims that God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, contradicting the plea for forgiveness for Absalom implied in 2 Samuel 14:13.

Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16

This verse states that children should not be punished for the sins of their parents, contrasting with the underlying theme of collective consequences addressed in 2 Samuel 14:13.

Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction or inconsistency with 2 Samuel 14:13 might relate to the theme of justice versus mercy. This could be seen as conflicting with other parts of the Bible where justice is emphasized over showing mercy in certain situations. The verse suggests a focus on forgiveness and reconciliation, which can seem at odds with strict justice. However, interpretations vary, and many see these themes as complementary rather than contradictory.

Paradox #2

The moral conflict in 2 Samuel 14:13 might arise from the perception of justice and mercy. While calling for compassion and forgiveness for a family member, it could be seen as inconsistent if compared to the strict justice demanded in other parts of the Bible. This might seem contradictory to some when considering the balance between justice and mercy.

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