Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 17:8

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 17:8 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 17:8. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Hushai is saying that King David and his soldiers are very strong and upset, like an angry mother bear who lost her cubs, and that David is a clever warrior who won’t be easily found. Hushai is warning that they are too powerful and clever to be easily overcome.

2 Samuel 17:8: For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they [be] mighty men, and they [be] chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father [is] a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. [chafed...: Heb. bitter of soul]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 21:10

This verse describes David fleeing in fear of Saul, contradicting the idea of bravery attributed to David's men in 2 Samuel 17:8.

1 Samuel 21:10: And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 19:3

Elijah flees in fear from Jezebel, which contrasts the portrayal of fearlessness among David's men mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:8.

1 Kings 19:3: And when he saw [that], he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which [belongeth] to Judah, and left his servant there.

Contradiction with Isaiah 51:12

This verse highlights human fear, contrasting with the suggested fearless ferocity of David and his men in 2 Samuel 17:8.

Isaiah 51:12: I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7

States that God gave a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. This contradicts any notion of fearfulness among God's people, conflicting with any fearful aspects implied indirectly by 2 Samuel 17:8.

2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Contradiction with Mark 4:40

Jesus challenges his disciples' fear, which stands in contrast to the fearless character described of David's men in 2 Samuel 17:8.

Mark 4:40: And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Paradox #1

This verse describes a situation involving a battle strategy and the characterization of certain people as valiant and fierce, ready for battle. The potential contradiction or inconsistency could be related to the portrayal of violence and the glorification of warrior-like behavior, which might conflict with other biblical teachings that promote peace, forgiveness, and the value of human life. This could appear inconsistent if one part of the scripture seems to encourage aggression while other parts urge non-violence and love for enemies.

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