Contradiction with Matthew 6:25
Jesus advises not to worry about food and drink, while 1 Kings 17:13 involves Elijah instructing the widow to first provide food for him, potentially causing her concern for her own and her son's immediate sustenance.
Matthew 6:25: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Contradiction with James 2:15-16
These verses encourage actively helping those in need rather than telling them to go in peace without addressing their immediate physical needs, which contrasts with Elijah requesting food during a famine.
James 2:15-16: If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Contradiction with Isaiah 58:7
This verse emphasizes sharing bread with the hungry and caring for those in need, in contrast to Elijah asking the widow to prepare food for him first.
Isaiah 58:7: [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? [cast...: or, afflicted]
Contradiction with Philippians 2:4
Advises believers to look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others, which seems contrary to Elijah asking the widow, who is in distress, to prioritize feeding him.
Philippians 2:4: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Contradiction with Romans 15:1-2
Encourages the strong to bear with the weak and not please themselves, while Elijah's request could be perceived as prioritizing his needs over the widow’s in immediate context.
Romans 15:1-2: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this verse might arise from asking someone in poverty to give their last resources. It could seem unfair or harsh to expect a person who has very little to give up their remaining food and trust something good will happen in return. This situation might feel like it conflicts with the idea of caring for the needy.