Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 18:19

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 18:19 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 18:19. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of 1 Kings, this verse is about Elijah asking everyone to come to a big meeting on a mountain. He wanted to show who the true God was because many people were following other gods.

1 Kings 18:19: Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

This verse commands the worship of only one God, contradicting the presence of prophets of Baal and Asherah as described in 1 Kings 18:19.

Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14

This verse warns against following other gods, directly conflicting with the events where there are followers of Baal in 1 Kings 18:19.

Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:35

This verse emphasizes a covenant with God to not worship other gods, against the backdrop where 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah exist in 1 Kings 18:19.

2 Kings 17:35: With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

Contradiction with Jeremiah 2:11

This verse questions the exchange of God for non-gods, contradicting the allegiance to Baal in the context of 1 Kings 18:19.

Jeremiah 2:11: Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 16:31-33

This passage describes Ahab’s promotion of Baal worship, contradicting the condemnation of such practices in the broader scriptural narrative that 1 Kings 18:19 is a part of.

1 Kings 16:31-33: And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. [as if...: Heb. was it a light thing, etc]

Paradox #1

The contradiction in 1 Kings 18:19 comes from the number of prophets mentioned. Some interpretations or sources might conflict in the number of prophets, specifically between the prophets of Baal and the prophets of Asherah, leading to discrepancies in different biblical translations or interpretations.

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