Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 13:33

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 13:33 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 13:33. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Kings, Jeroboam did not stop doing bad things and chose anyone, even not-so-important people, to be priests at his special places for worship. He let anyone who wanted to be a priest become one, even if they weren't supposed to.

1 Kings 13:33: After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places. [made...: Heb. returned and made] [consecrated...: Heb. filled his hand]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

1 Samuel 15:22 emphasizes obedience to God over sacrifice, contradicting 1 Kings 13:33 where Jeroboam continued disobedience despite knowing God's commandment.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 15:5

This verse praises David for following God's commands, except in the matter of Uriah, contrasting with Jeroboam's consistent disobedience in 1 Kings 13:33.

1 Kings 15:5: Because David did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any [thing] that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

Contradiction with Amos 5:21-23

Amos criticizes empty religious rituals without true worship, conflicting with 1 Kings 13:33's portrayal of Jeroboam's unauthorized and meaningless sacrifices.

Amos 5:21-23: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]

Contradiction with Hosea 6:6

This verse highlights God's desire for mercy and knowledge of Him, over burnt offerings, contrasting with Jeroboam's focus on ritual sacrifices in 1 Kings 13:33.

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

Paradox #1

The contradiction in 1 Kings 13:33 could be that despite witnessing a miracle, King Jeroboam refused to change his ways or repent. This can be seen as inconsistent because, typically, experiencing a divine sign is expected to lead someone toward better behavior or belief. The conflict arises because people might expect a change of heart in response to a clear message from God, but Jeroboam continued in his wrongful actions, showing a disconnect between experiencing divine intervention and making moral choices.

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