Contradiction with 1 Kings 11:4
This verse states that Solomon's heart turned away from God in his old age, contradicting the notion of Solomon’s ideal rule presented in 1 Kings 4:21.
1 Kings 11:4: For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:16
This verse describes the division of the kingdom, contradicting the unity and peace suggested in 1 Kings 4:21.
1 Kings 12:16: So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
Contradiction with Joshua 13:1
This verse states that much of the land promised to Israel was not yet possessed, contradicting Solomon’s dominion "over all kingdoms" mentioned in 1 Kings 4:21.
Joshua 13:1: Now Joshua was old [and] stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old [and] stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. [to...: Heb. to possess it]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 9:26
This verse claims dominion from the Euphrates to Egypt, which overlaps with but differs from the phrasing in 1 Kings 4:21, potentially implying different extents of control.
2 Chronicles 9:26: And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. [river: that is, Euphrates]
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction can be found in the historical account of the territory controlled by Solomon. In 1 Kings 4:21, it suggests that Solomon's empire was vast, stretching from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and the Egyptian border. However, archaeological and historical evidence might not fully support the existence of such an extensive empire under Solomon's rule, as there is limited evidence of political control over these vast areas. Additionally, this description might conflict with other historical accounts or records from neighboring regions that do not mention or support such wide-reaching control.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction with this verse could relate to historical accuracy. This verse describes a vast and prosperous kingdom under Solomon, which some historians and archaeologists debate. There is limited archaeological evidence supporting the existence of such a large and wealthy empire during this time period. This lack of evidence might raise questions about the historical accuracy of the account as described in the text.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in the verse could be the idea of one ruler having dominion over many kingdoms and territories, which may conflict with modern views on freedom, self-determination, and the rights of individual nations or peoples. It raises questions about the ethics of absolute power, conquest, and control over diverse groups of people.
Paradox #4
One possible contradiction in this context could be related to the extent of Solomon’s kingdom. Different passages in the Bible describe varying boundaries or territories over which Solomon reigned, which could seem inconsistent. For example, another description might offer a smaller or differently defined territory compared to this verse, leading to confusion about the exact size of his kingdom.