Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 1:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 1:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 1:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Samuel, David asked a man what happened in the battle, and the man told David that many people ran away, many others died, and that King Saul and his son Jonathan were dead too. David was very sad because he loved Jonathan and respected Saul.

2 Samuel 1:4: And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. [How...: Heb. What was, etc]

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 1:10

Explains that the Amalekite claimed he killed Saul, contradicting 2 Samuel 1:4 where it is implied Saul may have died in battle.

2 Samuel 1:10: So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that [was] upon his head, and the bracelet that [was] on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 31:4

States that Saul took his own life by falling on his sword, contradicting the report in 2 Samuel 1:4 where the messenger implies he was killed by others.

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 1 Chronicles 10:4

Aligns with 1 Samuel 31:4, claiming Saul took his own life, contradicting the implication in 2 Samuel 1:4 of differing circumstances of his death.

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]

Paradox #1

2 Samuel 1:4 might seem inconsistent with the account in 1 Samuel 31. In 2 Samuel 1:4, it is stated that an Amalekite claims to have killed Saul, while 1 Samuel 31 describes how Saul took his own life. This creates a potential contradiction in terms of who was responsible for Saul's death.

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