Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 17:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 17:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 17:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, this verse suggests that it's important to gather many people together for a big task, just like having a lot of sand by the sea. It also says that it's good to lead the way yourself when doing something important.

2 Samuel 17:11: Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that [is] by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person. [that thou...: Heb. that thy face, or, presence go, etc]

Contradiction with Judges 7:7

This verse illustrates Gideon's victory with just 300 men, contrasting with the suggestion in 2 Samuel 17:11 for gathering all of Israel for battle.

Judges 7:7: And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the [other] people go every man unto his place.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 14:6

Jonathan believes the Lord can save by many or by few, contradicting the need for a large army suggested in 2 Samuel 17:11.

1 Samuel 14:6: And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 6:16

"Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." This statement of divine support contrasts with the reliance on a large human army in 2 Samuel 17:11.

2 Kings 6:16: And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them.

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:6

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." This contradicts the reliance on a large army in 2 Samuel 17:11.

Zechariah 4:6: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. [might: or, army]

Contradiction with Matthew 26:53

Jesus refers to calling more than twelve legions of angels, contrasting with the human army assembly in 2 Samuel 17:11.

Matthew 26:53: But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11

"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong." This suggests that victory doesn't depend on the size of the army, in contradiction to 2 Samuel 17:11.

Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27

"God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." This implies God's power uses the weak, opposing the large army strategy of 2 Samuel 17:11.

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;
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.