Contradiction with Genesis 6:17
Contrary to God’s destructive power through fire, this verse speaks of God using water to destroy life, showing contrasting elements of divine judgment.
Genesis 6:17: And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life, from under heaven; [and] every thing that [is] in the earth shall die.
Contradiction with Luke 9:56
This verse highlights Jesus’ teaching on salvation, contradicting the idea of divine retribution by fire as seen in 1 Kings 18:38.
Luke 9:56: For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.
Contradiction with James 1:13
Contrasts 1 Kings 18:38, explaining that God does not tempt humans with evil, whereas sending fire to consume sacrifices could be seen as a test of faith.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:45
States that God bestows blessings (rain) to both the just and unjust, which contradicts the immediate divine retribution by fire depicted in 1 Kings 18:38.
Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this context could be the idea of fire magically coming down from the sky and consuming offerings, wood, stones, dust, and water. From a scientific perspective, such an event would require natural explanations, such as lightning or other natural causes, rather than a supernatural occurrence.