Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 20:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 20:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 20:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to traditional Christian understanding, this verse shows that Joab was the leader of Israel's army and Benaiah was in charge of special helper groups called the Cherethites and Pelethites. It tells us about the important people who helped look after Israel during King David's time.

2 Samuel 20:23: Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

Contradiction with 2 Kings 12:19-20

These verses narrate events during King Joash's reign and the conspiracy against him, not aligning with Joab's leadership mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:23.

2 Kings 12:19-20: And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 11:6

This verse mentions Abishai as chief, which contradicts Joab’s position as the leader of the army in 2 Samuel 20:23.

1 Chronicles 11:6: And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. [chief: Heb. head]

Contradiction with 1 Kings 2:28-34

Describes Joab's execution, contradicting his active leadership role presented in 2 Samuel 20:23.

1 Kings 2:28-34: Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 3:26-27

Speaks of Joab's actions without the title of "over all the host of Israel", questioning his consistent status as the main commander.

2 Samuel 3:26-27: And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew [it] not.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 1:19

Lists Adonijah’s supporters excluding Joab, inconsistent with his military leadership role in 2 Samuel 20:23.

1 Kings 1:19: And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:11-12

Talks generally about appointing commanders, contrasting with Joab’s singular leadership in 2 Samuel 20:23.

1 Samuel 8:11-12: And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 2:13

Mentions another individual, Abner, leading an opposing force, implying competition to Joab's role as leader.

2 Samuel 2:13: And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. [together: Heb. them together]

Contradiction with 1 Kings 2:5

Describes Joab’s past treacheries, contradicting his seemingly steadfast military leadership in 2 Samuel 20:23.

1 Kings 2:5: Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, [and] what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that [was] about his loins, and in his shoes that [were] on his feet. [shed: Heb. put]
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