Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 18:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 18:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 18:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Kings, this part of the story is about a contest to show whose God is real by asking their gods to set the wood on fire without any help. It tells us that Elijah wanted to prove that God is powerful and listens when asked for help.

1 Kings 18:23: Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]:

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

This verse commands that no other gods should be before the Lord, which can be seen as contradictory to the notion of a contest with other gods implied in 1 Kings 18:23.

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

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:13-14

Calls for exclusive worship of God without testing or contesting Him, unlike the challenge presented in 1 Kings 18:23.

Deuteronomy 6:13-14: Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8

Asserts that God will not share His glory with another, contrasting with the idea of setting up a competitive display between deities in 1 Kings 18:23.

Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Contradiction with Matthew 4:7

Jesus states that one should not test God, which could be seen as contradictory to Elijah's setup for a divine test in 1 Kings 18:23.

Matthew 4:7: Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [tempt: or, try, or, put to trial, or, proof]

Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:35

Emphasizes making covenants to worship only God and not serve other gods, which stands in contrast to the showdown depicted in 1 Kings 18:23.

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:
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