2 Chronicles 34:1 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book of Chronicles, Josiah was a young boy, just eight years old, when he became king and he ruled for thirty-one years. This shows that even a child can have an important role and do great things.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 13:2

This verse speaks of Josiah's future actions against idolatrous priests, while 2 Chronicles 34:1 begins stating Josiah's reign, not indicating any immediate contradiction in actions or age.

1 Kings 13:2: And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 23:36

This verse states that Jehoiakim was 25 years old when he began to reign, contrasting with Josiah starting to reign at 8 years old in 2 Chronicles 34:1, highlighting a difference in ages of reigning kings.

2 Kings 23:36: Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 33:25

This verse references the people of the land making Josiah king in place of Amon, which may seem abrupt or contradicting with 2 Chronicles 34:1 by not detailing the succession's context or Josiah's earlier actions.

2 Chronicles 33:25: But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 4:13

This verse suggests that a poor and wise child is better than an old and foolish king, indirectly contradicting the notion of a child king like Josiah without specifying wisdom or experience in 2 Chronicles 34:1.

Ecclesiastes 4:13: Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. [who...: Heb. who knoweth not to be admonished]

Contradiction with Isaiah 3:4

This verse speaks of children ruling over them as a form of judgment, potentially contrasting with the positive portrayal of Josiah's reign beginning at a young age in 2 Chronicles 34:1.

Isaiah 3:4: And I will give children [to be] their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

Contradiction with Hosea 13:11

This verse mentions God giving a king in anger, which could contrast with the seemingly positive narrative of young Josiah's kingship in 2 Chronicles 34:1.