Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
1 Kings 22:38 depicts the aftermath of a king's death through violent means, while Exodus 20:13 commands "Thou shalt not kill," highlighting the contradiction in moral directives.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:19
1 Kings 22:38 involves the consequences of wickedness, whereas Proverbs 11:19 suggests righteousness leads to life, implying the inconsistency in outcomes.
Proverbs 11:19: As righteousness [tendeth] to life: so he that pursueth evil [pursueth it] to his own death.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
1 Kings 22:38 shows the downfall of a king despite his wickedness, while Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 states that it will be well with those who fear God, contradicting expected divine justice.
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13: Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
Contradiction with Matthew 5:7
1 Kings 22:38 lacks mercy in its depiction of the king's demise, contrasting with Matthew 5:7, which blesses the merciful, suggesting a contrariety in the portrayal of divine qualities.
Matthew 5:7: Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction with 1 Kings 22:38 could relate to issues of divine justice or prophecy. Some might view the fate of the king in this verse as inconsistent with ideas of a just or protective God, especially if viewed in a broader context of promises made to Israel's rulers. Another possible area of conflict is in comparing different accounts of how divine messages were communicated and fulfilled in the Old Testament. However, interpretations vary, and many reconcile these perceived contradictions through contextual readings or theological perspectives.
Paradox #2
1 Kings 22:38 mentions that dogs licked up King Ahab's blood and that prostitutes bathed in the pool where it happened. It could be seen as contradictory when compared to other biblical texts that describe the deaths and burials of kings in more honorable ways, differing in the level of detail or type of desecration described. Additionally, this event fulfills a prophecy from earlier in the Bible, which could be seen as a narrative device or theological point rather than a strict historical account, creating a possible conflict between historical accuracy and theological storytelling.