Contradiction with Exodus 21:14
Exodus 21:14 prescribes death for those who murder with intent, contradicted by the notion of seeking sanctuary in 1 Kings 1:51.
Exodus 21:14: But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
Contradiction with Numbers 35:16
Numbers 35:16 states the killer shall be put to death, conflicting with Adonijah seeking mercy in 1 Kings 1:51.
Numbers 35:16: And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:11-12
Deuteronomy 19:11-12 requires that a murderer be taken from the altar and put to death, contrasting the plea for protection in 1 Kings 1:51.
Deuteronomy 19:11-12: But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: [mortally: Heb. in life]
Contradiction with Joshua 20:5
Joshua 20:5 allows for protection only if the killing was accidental, contradicting 1 Kings 1:51's broader implication of seeking refuge for potentially intentional acts.
Joshua 20:5: And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 14:32
In this verse, Absalom demands to see the king despite wrongdoing, opposing the submission to king's mercy shown in 1 Kings 1:51.
2 Samuel 14:32: And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? [it had been] good for me [to have been] there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be [any] iniquity in me, let him kill me.
Paradox #1
In 1 Kings 1:51, Adonijah seeks mercy from King Solomon by holding onto the altar, a place of refuge and safety. A potential moral conflict here is the idea that someone may seek forgiveness and safety after committing wrongdoing by using religious symbols or places, which might be seen as avoiding facing justice or responsibility for their actions. This may appear inconsistent if one believes that true repentance should involve accepting the consequences of one's actions rather than seeking protection.