Contradiction with Proverbs 21:31
This verse suggests that safety and victory come from the Lord, contradicting 2 Samuel 18:10 where Absalom's fate is determined by chance and circumstance rather than divine intervention.
Proverbs 21:31: The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. [safety: or, victory]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
This verse implies that life events are influenced by time and chance, contradicting the notion in 2 Samuel 18:10 that Absalom's defeat was orchestrated for a moral cause.
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 Matthew 10:29
This verse states that not even a sparrow falls to the ground outside God’s will, suggesting a divine control that contradicts the seemingly random outcome in 2 Samuel 18:10.
Matthew 10:29: Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [farthing: it is in value halfpenny farthing in the original, as being the tenth part of the Roman penny]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in 2 Samuel 18:10 could be related to the tension between following orders and showing compassion. In the broader context, there is a conflict between King David’s desire to protect his son Absalom and the need to uphold justice and the king's command given to his soldiers. This raises questions about loyalty, duty, and mercy in difficult situations.