Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:17
This verse advises against kings having many wives, which contradicts 1 Kings 11:4 since Solomon’s many wives turned away his heart.
Deuteronomy 17:17: Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 3:3
This verse states Solomon loved the Lord and walked in His statutes, contradicting 1 Kings 11:4 where Solomon's heart was not perfect with the Lord due to his wives.
1 Kings 3:3: And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 13:26
This verse suggests that Solomon's foreign wives led him to sin, contradicting 1 Kings 11:4, where it’s suggested that Solomon was initially faithful.
Nehemiah 13:26: Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
This verse states no one can serve two masters, which contradicts 1 Kings 11:4 as Solomon attempted to please both God and his wives' gods.
Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Contradiction with James 1:8
This verse mentions a double-minded man is unstable, contradicting 1 Kings 11:4 where Solomon is depicted as wise yet his heart becomes divided.
James 1:8: A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in 1 Kings 11:4 could be the apparent conflict between Solomon's wisdom and his failure to remain fully devoted to God. Despite being renowned for his wisdom, Solomon allowed his foreign wives to influence him to follow other gods, which could seem inconsistent with the expectations of a wise and faithful leader devoted to a monotheistic belief in God.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal inconsistency with 1 Kings 11:4 could be related to the concept of faithfulness to God. This verse describes Solomon's heart turning away from God as he grows older, despite being blessed with wisdom and having built the temple dedicated to God. This can be seen as a contradiction to the expectation that blessings or divine favor lead to greater faithfulness. Additionally, it can raise questions about why a divinely chosen king could stray from the path of faith, suggesting potential conflicts with ideas of divine election or predestination.
Paradox #3
One possible contradiction is that earlier in the Bible, Solomon is described as a wise and faithful king, particularly in his early reign. However, in 1 Kings 11:4, it is noted that he turned away from fully following God due to the influence of his foreign wives, which contrasts with his earlier image of wisdom and devotion. This shift could be seen as inconsistent with his initial portrayal.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in 1 Kings 11:4 could be seen in how it contrasts the faithfulness expected from a follower of God with the actions of King Solomon, who allowed his heart to be turned away by his wives to follow other gods. This could be viewed as inconsistent with the teachings that prioritize loyalty to one God.