Contradiction with 1 Kings 5:13-14
These verses mention that Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel, implying forced labor, which contrasts with 1 Kings 9:22 where it is stated that Solomon did not make the Israelites bondmen.
1 Kings 5:13-14: And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. [levy: Heb. tribute of men]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:11-17
These verses describe Samuel warning the Israelites that a king would take their sons and daughters for his service, suggesting a form of servitude, contradicting the claim in 1 Kings 9:22 that Solomon did not enslave the Israelites.
1 Samuel 8:11-17: And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 20:24
This verse mentions Adoram was over the tribute, highlighting a labor force/levy, which may imply a form of forced labor, contradicting 1 Kings 9:22.
2 Samuel 20:24: And Adoram [was] over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder: [recorder: or, remembrancer]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:4
The verse reveals that the people complained about heavy burdens under Solomon's reign, implying labor and service, which conflicts with 1 Kings 9:22 that says the Israelites were not made bondmen by Solomon.
1 Kings 12:4: Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
Contradiction with Exodus 1:14
While discussing Egypt, it contradicts 1 Kings 9:22 by showing that the Israelites can indeed be put to hard labor, historically contextualizing potential labor under kingship, which Solomon is claimed not to have done as per 1 Kings 9:22.
Exodus 1:14: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, [was] with rigour.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 4:6
This verse mentions Adoniram being in charge of the tribute, suggesting organization of labor or servitude, which appears at odds with the notion in 1 Kings 9:22 that Solomon did not make the Israelites bondmen.
1 Kings 4:6: And Ahishar [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute. [tribute: or, levy]
Paradox #1
1 Kings 9:22 might seem to show a contradiction or inconsistency when placed alongside earlier accounts in the Bible regarding forced labor and Israelite servitude. In some passages, it is suggested that Israelites were used as laborers or slaves, but this particular verse states the opposite, saying Solomon did not enslave any Israelites. This divergence can cause confusion about the accurate historical account of labor practices under Solomon's reign.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in 1 Kings 9:22 could be that the verse describes a society where some people worked as forced laborers, while others did not. This could highlight a moral inconsistency concerning equality and fairness in treating people within the same community.