Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:17
In 1 Samuel 8:17, it states that the people will cry out because of the king they have chosen, indicating discontent with forced labor, while 1 Kings 5:13 describes Solomon levying a tribute of forced laborers without mention of resistance or discontent.
1 Samuel 8:17: He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
Contradiction with Exodus 21:2
This verse talks about the release of Hebrew slaves after six years of service, suggesting a limit to servitude, whereas 1 Kings 5:13 does not mention any release or time limit for the laborers Solomon conscripted.
Exodus 21:2: If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:14
Deuteronomy 24:14 advises against oppressing hired servants, especially those who are poor and needy, which contradicts the concept of levying forced labor as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:13.
Deuteronomy 24:14: Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant [that is] poor and needy, [whether he be] of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that [are] in thy land within thy gates:
Contradiction with Leviticus 25:39-40
These verses suggest that if a fellow Israelite becomes poor and sells themselves, they should not be treated as slaves, contradicting the forced labor levy described in 1 Kings 5:13.
Leviticus 25:39-40: And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: [compel...: Heb. serve thyself with him with the service, etc]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 9:22
This verse contrasts with 1 Kings 5:13 by stating that Solomon did not make the children of Israel bondmen, indicating a distinction between Israelites and other groups in terms of labor imposition.
1 Kings 9:22: But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this context could relate to the use of forced labor. In the Bible, it's sometimes seen as acceptable or necessary, but using people in such a way contradicts ideals of freedom and respect for all individuals. This could be seen as inconsistent with the values of love and compassion that are also present in biblical teachings.