Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 8:43

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 8:43 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 8:43. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the writer of the book, God is asked to listen to people from everywhere, so they can learn about Him and respect Him just like the people of Israel do, and to make sure everyone knows that the temple is special to Him.

1 Kings 8:43: Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. [this...: Heb. thy name is called upon this house]

Contradiction with Matthew 15:24

Jesus states that he was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, which contrasts with the inclusiveness of all people praying to God in 1 Kings 8:43.

Matthew 15:24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Contradiction with Acts 10:28

Peter mentions it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with a Gentile, contradicting the openness to foreigners in 1 Kings 8:43.

Acts 10:28: And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2

God commands Israelites to make no covenant with other nations, conflicting with the welcoming of foreigners praised in 1 Kings 8:43.

Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Contradiction with Ezekiel 44:9

No foreigner uncircumcised in heart or flesh shall enter God’s sanctuary, opposing the inclusion of foreigners in worship as seen in 1 Kings 8:43.

Ezekiel 44:9: Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that [is] among the children of Israel.

Paradox #1

One possible contradiction with 1 Kings 8:43 is the idea of inclusivity versus exclusivity in worship. The verse suggests openness to foreigners who worship the God of Israel, which might seem inconsistent with other biblical passages where God is described as having a special, exclusive relationship with the Israelites. This could create a narrative tension in understanding the scope of who can worship God in the historical context of ancient Israel.

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