Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 1:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 1:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 1:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Samuel, when Saul and Jonathan died in a battle, the people were very sad, cried a lot, and didn't eat anything all day because they had lost their leaders and many friends. They did this to show how much they loved and missed them.

2 Samuel 1:12: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17

This verse advises against rejoicing or being glad when an enemy falls, which contrasts with the mourning in 2 Samuel 1:12 for Saul, who was an enemy of David.

Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse instructs to love enemies and pray for those who persecute you, contrasting with the mourning in 2 Samuel 1:12 for an enemy.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Exodus 23:4-5

These verses teach to help an enemy's burdened animal, suggesting positive actions toward enemies, contrasting with the mourning for an enemy's death.

Exodus 23:4-5: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

Contradiction with Romans 12:20

Advises feeding and caring for enemies, promoting active good deeds rather than mourning once they are defeated.

Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Contradiction with Psalm 139:21-22

These verses express hatred for God's enemies, which contrasts with David mourning for Saul, an enemy, in 2 Samuel 1:12.

Psalm 139:21-22: Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

Paradox #1

The contradiction in 2 Samuel 1:12 could stem from the differing accounts of the death of Saul, Israel's first king. In one account, Saul dies by falling on his own sword to avoid capture by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:4-5). However, in 2 Samuel 1:8-10, another account describes a young Amalekite claiming to have killed Saul at Saul's own request. These two stories conflict in terms of how Saul's death occurred, which raises questions about which account is historically accurate.

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