Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord emphasizes that He looks at the heart, not outward appearance, which contradicts the focus on Absalom's physical beauty in 2 Samuel 14:25.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with Proverbs 31:30
This verse highlights that beauty is fleeting and that fearing the Lord is what truly matters, contrasting the praise of Absalom's appearance.
Proverbs 31:30: Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:3-4
Encourages inner beauty and a gentle spirit over outward adornment, contradicting the emphasis on Absalom's physical appearance.
1 Peter 3:3-4: Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Contradiction with Isaiah 53:2
Describes Jesus as having no beauty or majesty to attract others, contrasting with Absalom's praised physical form.
Isaiah 53:2: For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.
Contradiction with James 2:1-4
Warns against showing favoritism based on appearance, which goes against the glorification of Absalom's looks.
James 2:1-4: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:8
Suggests that physical training is of some value, but godliness is of greater value, opposing the focus on external appearance in 2 Samuel 14:25.
1 Timothy 4:8: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [little: or, for a little time]
Contradiction with Matthew 23:27-28
Denounces focusing on outward beauty while being impure inside, which can be seen as contrasting with the focus on Absalom's physical attributes.
Matthew 23:27-28: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.
Paradox #1
2 Samuel 14:25 describes Absalom as the most handsome man in Israel, without any physical flaw. A potential contradiction could be noted when considering biblical passages that emphasize inner qualities over physical appearance, such as 1 Samuel 16:7, which states that the Lord values the heart over outward appearance. This contrast can create tension between the importance of outer beauty versus inner virtues in biblical narratives.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this context might involve the superficial focus on physical appearance and the value placed on outward beauty, which can clash with other biblical teachings that emphasize inner virtues and moral character as more important.