Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 20:42

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 20:42 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 20:42. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Kings, God was upset because a king let a bad person go free instead of punishing him. Because of this, God said the king and his people would suffer the same way the bad person should have.

1 Kings 20:42: And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of [thy] hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.

Contradiction with Psalm 103:8

This verse describes God as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy, which contrasts with the swift judgment on Ahab in 1 Kings 20:42.

Psalm 103:8: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]

Contradiction with Jonah 4:2

It highlights God’s merciful and forgiving nature, which is contrary to the immediate punishment declared in 1 Kings 20:42.

Jonah 4:2: And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11

This verse emphasizes God's desire for repentance rather than the death of the wicked, differing from the death sentence in 1 Kings 20:42.

Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Contradiction with James 2:13

It informs that mercy triumphs over judgment, which is contradictory to the harsh judgment on Ahab’s action in 1 Kings 20:42.

James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]

Contradiction with Micah 7:18

Stresses God’s pardon and delight in mercy, conflicting with the severe pronouncement made against Ahab in 1 Kings 20:42.

Micah 7:18: Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Contradiction with Lamentations 3:22-23

Speaks about God's mercies and faithfulness, presenting a contrast to the unmerciful verdict in 1 Kings 20:42.

Lamentations 3:22-23: [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Paradox #1

1 Kings 20:42 could present a contradiction because it involves the idea of divine punishment being delivered through the actions of people. This can conflict with notions of justice and mercy, as it raises questions about human responsibility and the fairness of collective punishment.

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