Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 19:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 19:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 19:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Kings, this story shows that Elisha decided to follow Elijah right away by cooking his oxen and sharing the food with others. It means Elisha was ready to leave his old life behind and start a new adventure helping Elijah.

1 Kings 19:21: And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

Contradiction with Matthew 4:19

While 1 Kings 19:21 describes Elisha following Elijah immediately, Matthew 4:19 highlights Jesus calling His disciples to follow Him by becoming fishers of men, suggesting a different calling rather than through sacrifice.

Matthew 4:19: And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Contradiction with Matthew 8:22

1 Kings 19:21 shows Elisha making preparations before following Elijah, whereas Matthew 8:22, where Jesus tells someone to "let the dead bury their dead," suggests leaving immediately without any prior obligations or farewells.

Matthew 8:22: But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Contradiction with Luke 9:62

In 1 Kings 19:21, Elisha goes back to kiss his parents before following Elijah, which contrasts with Luke 9:62 where Jesus emphasizes not looking back once the decision to follow Him has been made.

Luke 9:62: And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Contradiction with John 21:22

In 1 Kings 19:21, the act of physical following is portrayed, while John 21:22 highlights a more personal following of Jesus, irrespective of what others are doing.

John 21:22: Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? follow thou me.

Contradiction with Luke 14:26

Elisha's decision to kiss his parents goodbye in 1 Kings 19:21 conflicts with the instruction in Luke 14:26 to prioritize following Christ above even familial ties.

Luke 14:26: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Paradox #1

1 Kings 19:21 involves Elisha sacrificing his oxen and using the equipment to cook the meat as an offering before following Elijah. A contradiction or conflict might be seen in the idea of destruction of valuable resources (oxen and equipment) for religious purposes when they could potentially support others in need. This could be viewed as wasteful or irresponsible stewardship of resources.

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