Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 20:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 20:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 20:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Samuel, David took care of the women he left behind, but he didn't live with them anymore. They stayed in a special house and were safe, but they couldn't go outside or marry anyone else.

2 Samuel 20:3: And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women [his] concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood. [ward: Heb. an house of ward] [shut...: Heb. bound] [living...: Heb. in widowhood of life]

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:2

This verse advocates for marriage and having one's own spouse to avoid immorality, whereas 2 Samuel 20:3 speaks of King David secluding his concubines, which contrasts with the marital ideal and treatment in 1 Corinthians 7:2.

1 Corinthians 7:2: Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Contradiction with Exodus 21:10

This verse mentions the responsibility of providing for a wife, whereas in 2 Samuel 20:3, David provides for the concubines but does not engage with them, contrasting the responsibilities outlined in Exodus 21:10.

Exodus 21:10: If he take him another [wife]; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

Contradiction with Genesis 2:24

This verse emphasizes the unity and bond of marriage, while 2 Samuel 20:3 describes how David kept his concubines isolated, which contradicts the intended unity described in Genesis 2:24.

Genesis 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:6

This verse highlights not separating what God has joined, whereas 2 Samuel 20:3 shows David separating from his concubines, contradicting the concept of unity in Matthew 19:6.

Matthew 19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:7

This verse instructs husbands to honor their wives, contrasting with David's treatment of his concubines in 2 Samuel 20:3, where they are secluded and lack engagement.

1 Peter 3:7: Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Paradox #1

One historical inconsistency related to this verse involves the treatment of David's concubines. Earlier, Absalom's public act with them symbolized taking over David's rule, yet in this verse, after Absalom's revolt, they are secluded for life. The inconsistency lies in the sudden change from being central figures in political events to being secluded, without further mention of their fate or established cultural practices.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in 2 Samuel 20:3 might be the treatment of the concubines. For some, it might seem inconsistent that they are punished for circumstances beyond their control, reflecting on fairness and responsibility in biblical times.

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