Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 24:24

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 24:24 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 24:24. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Samuel, David wanted to give a gift to God that was special and meaningful, so he chose to pay for it himself instead of getting it for free. He knew that giving something important to God should come from his own effort and not be given without any cost.

2 Samuel 24:24: And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy [it] of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 6:6-7

While 2 Samuel 24:24 emphasizes offering sacrifices that cost something, 2 Samuel 6:6-7 depicts the death of Uzzah despite his attempt to stabilize the Ark, where his good deed led to immediate punishment.

2 Samuel 6:6-7: And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it]. [Nachon: also called Chidon] [shook it: or, stumbled]

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:3

This verse values justice and judgment over sacrifices, which contradicts the emphasis on costly sacrifices in 2 Samuel 24:24.

Proverbs 21:3: To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Contradiction with Hosea 6:6

Here, God desires mercy and acknowledgment rather than sacrifices, in contrast to the importance of sacrifice in 2 Samuel 24:24.

Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Contradiction with Matthew 9:13

Jesus echoes Hosea, saying God desires mercy, not sacrifice, again contrasting with David's emphasis on sacrifice in 2 Samuel 24:24.

Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:8-9

This expression suggests that God takes no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices, contradicting the implication of their necessity in 2 Samuel 24:24.

Hebrews 10:8-9: Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law;

Paradox #1

One potential doctrinal inconsistency could arise from the idea of paying a price for something when, in other parts of biblical teaching, the focus is on God's grace and gifts being freely given. The emphasis in this verse on not giving an offering that costs nothing might seem to conflict with the belief that God values the heart and intention more than the material value of an offering.

Paradox #2

There may be a contradiction with 1 Chronicles 21:25, where a different amount is mentioned for a similar event, causing some to question the consistency regarding how much was paid.

Paradox #3

This verse shows a contradiction by highlighting the tension between sincerity in sacrifice and wealth. On one hand, it emphasizes the importance of sincere, costly offerings to God, suggesting true sacrifice requires personal cost. On the other hand, it could contradict the view that wealth and resources aren't necessary for a relationship with God, as it implies value in what's materially given, potentially overshadowing internal devotion.

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