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The "Contradictions" in the Bible

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tosca1

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This thread will try to clear up the misconception that the Bible contradicts itself. There are some sites that list alleged contradictions. Cite a specific contradiction and we'll try to clear up the misunderstanding.
Sometimes the answer isn't that simple.


Here's one from "101 Contradictions in the Bible." 101 Contradictions in the Bible.


Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel?

God did (2 Samuel 24: 1)

Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)



Response: Here's a long explanation, so I'm just posting the end part.

The author of 2 Samuel (probably the prophets Nathan or Gad) chose to view this whole affair in the ultimate sense of God being in control of all things, while the author of 1 Chronicles (probably Ezra) wanted to showcase the satanic plot and how God used this as a tool for judgment. It is the same account with a different point of emphasis.

This also makes sense, for Nathan and Gad were prophets who proclaimed that God is in control of all the affairs of men, and knows and predicts events before they come to pass. Ezra was a priest who was interested in pointing out the holiness of God, and as one who hates sin—treason and idolatry being two of the most heinous, and the two which Israel were most prone to. The “takeaway” point here is that God judges and punishes sin, and purges out the leaven of sin from His people (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6–8). Satan meant it for evil for David and for Israel, but God ultimately meant it for good in the long run of the nation, and so allowed Satan to provoke David.
Click to expand...
https://answersingenesis.org/contra...ed-david-to-count-the-fighting-men-of-israel/
 
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In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel?

Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9)

One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)

101 Contradictions in the Bible.



Response: https://carm.org/bible-difficulties/joshua-esther/how-many-fighting-men-were-found-judah-and-israel


Regarding Israel's number difference:
The solution to the difference in counts for Israel seems to be answered in the Hebrew word for "valiant," which is "chayil" found in 2 Samuel 24:9. It means, "men of valor, army, host, etc."

It seems to mean that the men numbered in 2 Samuel 24:9 were those with battle experience where the men of 1 Chronicles 21:5 were not.
It was most probably true that there were an additional 300,000 men ready for battle who had not yet experienced it. Therefore, 2 Sam. 24:9 numbers only the experienced men, where 1 Chronicles 21:5 numbers all men of battle ready age.


Regarding Judah's number difference:
The solution seems to provided for us in the following verse, 1 Chronicles 21:6, which says, "But he did not number Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab," (NASB).
Verse six states that the numbering process had not yet been completed since the tribes of Levi and Benjamin had not been numbered.
 
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tosca1 said:
In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel?

Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9)

One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)

101 Contradictions in the Bible.



Response: https://carm.org/bible-difficulties/joshua-esther/how-many-fighting-men-were-found-judah-and-israel


Regarding Israel's number difference:
The solution to the difference in counts for Israel seems to be answered in the Hebrew word for "valiant," which is "chayil" found in 2 Samuel 24:9. It means, "men of valor, army, host, etc."

It seems to mean that the men numbered in 2 Samuel 24:9 were those with battle experience where the men of 1 Chronicles 21:5 were not.
It was most probably true that there were an additional 300,000 men ready for battle who had not yet experienced it. Therefore, 2 Sam. 24:9 numbers only the experienced men, where 1 Chronicles 21:5 numbers all men of battle ready age.


Regarding Judah's number difference:
The solution seems to provided for us in the following verse, 1 Chronicles 21:6, which says, "But he did not number Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab," (NASB).
Verse six states that the numbering process had not yet been completed since the tribes of Levi and Benjamin had not been numbered.
Click to expand...

:lamo You see, you have already conceded the bible is not the inerrant word of your imaginary god by admitting there is more than one version. Now you offer lame rationalizations for the obvious contradictions contained therein. Thanks.
 
Realitywins said:
:lamo You see, you have already conceded the bible is not the inerrant word of your imaginary god by admitting there is more than one version. Now you offer lame rationalizations for the obvious contradictions contained therein. Thanks.
Click to expand...

If you only believe strongly enough to begin with, all these obvious contradictions stop being lethal to the argument and become mere misunderstandings by the unbelievers. It's a miracle!
 
Manc Skipper said:
If you only believe strongly enough to begin with, all these obvious contradictions stop being lethal to the argument and become mere misunderstandings by the unbelievers. It's a miracle!
Click to expand...

Its a miracle anyone who believes this stuff can dress themselves.
 
Realitywins said:
:lamo You see, you have already conceded the bible is not the inerrant word of your imaginary god by admitting there is more than one version. Now you offer lame rationalizations for the obvious contradictions contained therein. Thanks.
Click to expand...

What is "inerrant?" Inerrant means "free from error." or free from mistakes.

What error is there? To have said that the numbering process had not yet been completed?
To have pointed out, and explained why? :lol:


Don't forget too that the OT narratives are mostly to give us some loose history or background information!
Details are not, and do not have to be precised every step of the way.

Non-believers tend to nitpick on minor details....which means they really have nothing of significant to argue about. :lol:
 
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tosca1 said:
What is "inerrant?" Inerrant means "free from error." or free from mistakes.

What error is there? To have said that the numbering process had not yet been completed?
To have pointed out, and explained why? :lol:


Don't forget too that the OT narratives are mostly to give us some loose history or background information!
Details are not, and do not have to be precised every step of the way.

Non-believers tend to nitpick on minor details....which means they really have nothing of significant to argue about. :lol:
Click to expand...

:roll: Look up "Rationalizing".
 
One thing about the bible is that people are going to make it say whatever they want it to say.
 
Realitywins said:
:lamo You see, you have already conceded the bible is not the inerrant word of your imaginary god by admitting there is more than one version. Now you offer lame rationalizations for the obvious contradictions contained therein. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Bible beater Christians tend to be the same people that think dinosaurs are a conspiracy created by Satan, or man. So who you are arguing with isn't really passing with a fool deck.

My issue with biblical contradictions is not really linguistic but moralistic. The god in the old testament is drastically different the the one in the new testament.

When you talk to certain religious people about this they say Jesus didn't come to abolish the law, he cane to fulfill it. Fulfill it by abolishing it? Let's face it Christians dint louvre by Leviticus.

Not to mention the death penalty for various things that aren't even thought of as wrong in our culture, condoning of slavery even if the slave master is unkind.

I find it amazing that people will believe this is the word of god even though our cultural morality is far superior.
 
tosca1 said:
What is "inerrant?" Inerrant means "free from error." or free from mistakes.

What error is there? To have said that the numbering process had not yet been completed?
To have pointed out, and explained why? :lol:


Don't forget too that the OT narratives are mostly to give us some loose history or background information!
Details are not, and do not have to be precised every step of the way.

Non-believers tend to nitpick on minor details....which means they really have nothing of significant to argue about. :lol:
Click to expand...

If it is the word of god and he has infinite wisdom why did he not know what our numbering system was going to be today?

Was he writing a book that would be useless in a couple centuries? Why would he do that?

If this is the word of god, why isn't it the source of knowledge. Though there are good points in the bible is generally devoid of knowledge. Why if a being thay calls itself god has infinite knowledge, would write a book that a 5 year old would scoff at when looked at objectively?
 
tosca1 said:
This thread will try to clear up the misconception that the Bible contradicts itself. There are some sites that list alleged contradictions. Cite a specific contradiction and we'll try to clear up the misunderstanding.
Sometimes the answer isn't that simple.


Here's one from "101 Contradictions in the Bible." 101 Contradictions in the Bible.


Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel?

God did (2 Samuel 24: 1)

Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)



Response: Here's a long explanation, so I'm just posting the end part.


https://answersingenesis.org/contra...ed-david-to-count-the-fighting-men-of-israel/
Click to expand...

I think I prefer the explanation that we just don't understand.
 
CLAX1911 said:
If it is the word of god and he has infinite wisdom why did he not know what our numbering system was going to be today?

Was he writing a book that would be useless in a couple centuries? Why would he do that?

If this is the word of god, why isn't it the source of knowledge. Though there are good points in the bible is generally devoid of knowledge. Why if a being thay calls itself god has infinite knowledge, would write a book that a 5 year old would scoff at when looked at objectively?
Click to expand...

Some time in grade school I started wondering why people went on about things they cannot know and should know we cannot know.
 
CLAX1911 said:
If it is the word of god and he has infinite wisdom why did he not know what our numbering system was going to be today?
Click to expand...

What makes you think He doesn't know that?

Furthermore....what's that got to do with the narrative being discussed?



Was he writing a book that would be useless in a couple centuries? Why would he do that?
Click to expand...

Hello? The Bible has been around for thousands of years.....and it's still very much relevant today!
I think you need some time wrapping your head around that.



If this is the word of god, why isn't it the source of knowledge.
Click to expand...

Based on your opinion above......obviously, it isn't a source of knowledge to you.
That's your problem, not the Bible's.



Though there are good points in the bible is generally devoid of knowledge. Why if a being thay calls itself god has infinite knowledge, would write a book that a 5 year old would scoff at when looked at objectively?
Click to expand...

First of all, unless the child is a genius....any five year old wouldn't even be able to read, let alone understand the Bible. You don't and can't even realize that simple fact....and you "analyzed" the Bible?
You're the one with the problem.
 
joG said:
I think I prefer the explanation that we just don't understand.
Click to expand...

No one is forcing you to believe the explanation. Think what you prefer.

But if someone is going to say there are contradictions in the Bible, then let's hear them.
That's what's this thread is all about.
 
tosca1 said:
No one is forcing you to believe the explanation. Think what you prefer.

But if someone is going to say there are contradictions in the Bible, then let's hear them.
That's what's this thread is all about.
Click to expand...

I already provided you with well over a hundred contradictions and all you are doing is stalling.
 
Realitywins said:
As friend Tosca1 has been demonstrating.
Click to expand...

Btw, you're the one who brought up and gave the sources for the alleged contradictions..........

http://www.debatepolitics.com/religion-and-politics/256968-homosexuality-and-bible-16.html


....and I'm simply meeting you head-on!

You're now full of deflections. What's the matter? You can't make your stand?



Let's do your alleged contradictions. I can't do them all in one seating....but I like the idea that it'll be something to keep me busy all through the fall and winter.....and really, I'm quite interested about these list of contradictions too.

It's a different way of having a Bible Study for me.....that's how I see this thread.
 
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Realitywins said:
I already provided you with well over a hundred contradictions and all you are doing is stalling.
Click to expand...

Stalling?

I created this thread hot on the heels of your post at the other thread. I answered the first two pronto.
And I'm stalling? Look who's talking......:mrgreen:

You don't just ply someone with a site and say....here, answer this!
Like the OP says, give a specific contradiction....... that is, if you're up to it.

By the way you're responding to this thread, you seem already deflated, and we haven't really gone that far yet. :lol:


With, or without you....I'm gonna do this.
 
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tosca1 said:
Btw, you're the one who brought up and gave the sources for the alleged contradictions..........

http://www.debatepolitics.com/religion-and-politics/256968-homosexuality-and-bible-16.html


....and I'm simply meeting you head-on!

You're now full of deflections. What's the matter? You can't make your stand?



Let's do your alleged contradictions. I can't do them all in one seating....but I like the idea that it'll be something to keep me busy all through the fall and winter.....and really, I'm quite interested about these list of contradictions too.

It's a different way of having a Bible Study for me.....that's how I see this thread.
Click to expand...

There are no alleged contradictions. They are real, demonstrated and obvious to anyone not desperately seeking to ignore, deny or apologize for them.
 
tosca1 said:
Stalling?

I created this thread hot on the heels of your post at the other thread. I answered the first two pronto.
And I'm stalling? Look who's talking......:mrgreen:

You don't just ply someone with a site and say....here, answer this!
Like the OP says, give a specific contradiction....... that is, if you're up to it.

By the way you're responding to this thread, you seem already deflated, and we haven't really gone that far yet. :lol:


With, or without you....I'm gonna do this.
Click to expand...

You are still blathering, not coming up with the usual mindless "explanations" for the proven contradictions. I think there is a website for folks like you to help try and gloss over the embarrassing facts.
 
Realitywins said:
There are no alleged contradictions. They are real, demonstrated and obvious to anyone not desperately seeking to ignore, deny or apologize for them.
Click to expand...

Blah-blah-blah. Still no specific contradiction to give? More deflection?

If you aren't going to play ball, then I'll just go on ahead without you.
 
tosca1 said:
Hello? The Bible has been around for thousands of years.....and it's still very much relevant today!
I think you need some time wrapping your head around that.
Click to expand...

No, it hasn't been around for thousands of years. That you think it has pretty much exemplifies your inability to discuss it or its contents rationally or honestly.
 
tosca1 said:
Blah-blah-blah. Still no specific contradiction to give? More deflection?

If you aren't going to play ball, then I'll just go on ahead without you.
Click to expand...

I refer you to my earlier links and point out yet again you are stalling.
 
tosca1 said:
No one is forcing you to believe the explanation. Think what you prefer.

But if someone is going to say there are contradictions in the Bible, then let's hear them.
That's what's this thread is all about.
Click to expand...

Sure. It's interesting, what moves people and what kind of explanations they find to explain texts of old.
 
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