Contradiction with Judges 6:6
Israel is oppressed and impoverished under Midian, contrasting the prosperity in 1 Kings 4:20.
Judges 6:6: And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 25:21
The people of Judah are taken into exile, no longer numerous or prosperous.
2 Kings 25:21: And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:7
The land is desolate and cities are burned, contrasting with the abundance described in 1 Kings 4:20.
Isaiah 1:7: Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers. [overthrown...: Heb. the overthrow of]
Contradiction with Lamentations 1:1
Jerusalem is described as a widow, once great among the nations, but now lonely and desolate, contrasting the multitude and happiness described in 1 Kings 4:20.
Lamentations 1:1: How doth the city sit solitary, [that was] full of people! [how] is she become as a widow! she [that was] great among the nations, [and] princess among the provinces, [how] is she become tributary!
Contradiction with Nehemiah 9:36-37
The people are in great distress and under servitude, contrasting with the peace and prosperity in 1 Kings 4:20.
Nehemiah 9:36-37: Behold, we [are] servants this day, and [for] the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we [are] servants in it:
Paradox #1
Some people discuss that the large population mentioned might not align with other historical or archaeological evidence about the size of Israel at the time. This could suggest an exaggeration or a difference in record-keeping styles.