Contradiction with 1 Kings 10:22
This verse mentions Solomon's navy bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks once every three years, which might contradict the implication in 1 Kings 9:26 of regular marine activity.
1 Kings 10:22: For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. [ivory: or, elephants' teeth]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 9:21
Like 1 Kings 10:22, it mentions the navy bringing goods every three years, contradicting the expectation of frequent maritime expeditions suggested by 1 Kings 9:26.
2 Chronicles 9:21: For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. [ivory: or, elephants' teeth]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 22:48
This verse states that Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never sailed as they were broken, contradicting the successful maritime ventures implied in 1 Kings 9:26.
1 Kings 22:48: [There was] then no king in Edom: a deputy [was] king.
Paradox #1
1 Kings 9:26 mentions King Solomon building a fleet of ships at a port in Edom, a region known for not having direct access to the sea. This raises questions about the geographical accuracy, as it is historically challenging to identify Edom as a suitable location for a fleet. Additionally, the text implies a partnership with King Hiram of Tyre, which may conflict with other historical timelines and political dynamics.