Contradiction with 2 Samuel 4:10
In 2 Samuel 1:1, David mourns Saul and Jonathan, but later orders the execution of those claiming to have killed Saul, showing differing responses to Saul's death.
2 Samuel 4:10: When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who [thought] that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: [thinking...: Heb. he was in his own eyes as a bringer, etc] [who...: or, which was the reward I gave him for his tidings]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 31:4
While 2 Samuel 1:1 begins after Saul's death with the claim of an Amalekite regarding Saul's end, this verse describes Saul's death as suicide, not through an Amalekite.
1 Samuel 31:4: Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. [abuse...: or, mock me]
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 1:15-16
Although David mourns Saul in 2 Samuel 1:1, he orders the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul to be executed, revealing a conflicting stance on dealing with Saul’s demise.
2 Samuel 1:15-16: And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 24:6
David spares Saul, referring to him as the Lord's anointed, while in 2 Samuel 1:1, David mourns Saul's death, showing differing reactions in interactions with Saul.
1 Samuel 24:6: And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 10:4
Aligns with 1 Samuel 31:4, which states Saul’s death as a suicide, conflicting with the account of an Amalekite claiming responsibility in 2 Samuel 1.
1 Chronicles 10:4: Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. [abuse me: or, mock me]