Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Kings 18:31

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Kings 18:31 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Kings 18:31. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Kings, this verse is about the king of Assyria trying to make the people of Israel follow him instead of their leader, Hezekiah. He promises them good things, like food and water, if they obey him instead.

2 Kings 18:31: Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me by a present, and come out to me, and [then] eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: [Make...: or, Seek my favour: Heb. Make with me a blessing] [cistern: or, pit]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5

This verse contradicts 2 Kings 18:31 by warning against trusting in man for security or sustenance, whereas 2 Kings 18:31 encourages reliance on the king of Assyria for provision.

Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Contradiction with Psalm 118:8

This verse suggests that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man, contradicting the advice in 2 Kings 18:31 to depend on the king of Assyria.

Psalm 118:8: [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Contradiction with Isaiah 31:1

Isaiah warns against seeking help from Egypt (or any foreign nation) instead of looking to the Holy One of Israel, a contradiction to putting trust in Assyria as advised in 2 Kings 18:31.

Isaiah 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

This verse encourages trust in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, which contradicts relying on human authorities or foreign powers as suggested in 2 Kings 18:31.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in 2 Kings 18:31 could relate to the idea of trusting in human leaders or foreign powers for security and provision, rather than relying on God. In other parts of the Bible, like Psalms and various prophetic books, there is a strong emphasis on putting trust solely in God for protection and needs. This verse could be seen as conflicting with that teaching because it involves a message urging reliance on an earthly king instead of divine support.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in 2 Kings 18:31 might arise from the invitation to trust an enemy's promise for comfort and peace, which conflicts with the broader biblical teaching to rely on God for safety and well-being. This message could be seen as inconsistent with faithfulness to God's guidance.

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