Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 18:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 18:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 18:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Absalom was a man who wanted people to remember him, so he built a big pillar and named it after himself because he didn't have any sons to carry on his name. It's like when you make a big sandcastle at the beach and tell everyone it's your special castle so they remember you.

2 Samuel 18:18: Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which [is] in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

Contradiction with Proverbs 10:7

This verse mentions that the memory of the just is blessed, whereas 2 Samuel 18:18 describes Absalom setting up a monument for himself, implying concern about not being remembered positively.

Proverbs 10:7: The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Contradiction with Matthew 23:12

This verse states that whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, contradicting Absalom's self-exaltation in setting up a pillar to commemorate himself.

Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Contradiction with Luke 14:11

This verse teaches that self-exaltation leads to humbling, contrasting with Absalom's attempt to honor himself with a monument.

Luke 14:11: For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 9:23-24

These verses encourage boasting in knowing God rather than in personal achievements, opposing Absalom's self-centered monument.

Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Paradox #1

The contradiction in 2 Samuel 18:18 could involve the claim that Absalom set up a monument for himself because he had no son to carry on his name. This is inconsistent with earlier verses, specifically 2 Samuel 14:27, which mentions that Absalom had three sons. This creates a conflict regarding the number of children Absalom actually had.

Paradox #2

The contradiction involves Absalom having a monument built for himself in his lifetime because he had no sons. However, earlier in 2 Samuel 14:27, it states that Absalom had three sons. This creates an inconsistency about whether he had sons or not at the time he set up the monument.

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