Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 20:41

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 20:41 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 20:41. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Kings, the prophet had been pretending to be someone else by covering his face with ashes. When he cleaned his face, the king realized he was a prophet sent by God.

1 Kings 20:41: And he hasted, and took the ashes away from his face; and the king of Israel discerned him that he [was] of the prophets.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

This verse emphasizes obedience to God's command over sacrifice, whereas 1 Kings 20:41 suggests a failure to fulfill God's command leading to consequences.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2

This verse commands the complete destruction of enemies, while 1 Kings 20:41 involves a reprimand for sparing an enemy.

Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Contradiction with Joshua 11:20

This verse implies it was God's intention to destroy enemies completely, contradicting the outcome in 1 Kings 20:41 where sparing an enemy was criticized.

Joshua 11:20: For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 13:19

This verse emphasizes the need for complete fulfillment of God's commands for victory, contrasting with 1 Kings 20:41 where partial obedience leads to punishment.

2 Kings 13:19: And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice.

Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9

These verses assert God's thoughts and ways are beyond human understanding, yet in 1 Kings 20:41, a human decision contradicts God's will, resulting in condemnation.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in this verse might be seen in the idea of accountability and judgment. On one hand, the person in the story is judged for letting someone go free, suggesting strict adherence to orders and justice. On the other hand, the broader message of mercy and forgiveness in other parts of the Bible could conflict with this harsh judgment. This can seem inconsistent when comparing justice and mercy as taught in different contexts.

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