2 Kings 18:34 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the Book of 2 Kings, this verse shows that the gods of other cities could not protect them, so they couldn't help when they were attacked. It teaches that only the God of the Bible is strong enough to protect people.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

This verse states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," emphasizing the exclusivity and superiority of the God of Israel, countering any implication that other gods could rival Him.

Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Contradiction with Isaiah 46:9

This verse declares, "I am God, and there is none like me," asserting God's unmatched power and discrediting any perceived power of other gods mentioned in 2 Kings 18:34.

Isaiah 46:9: Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:39

This verse affirms, "The LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else," directly contradicting the notion of other deities having equivalent status.

Deuteronomy 4:39: Know therefore this day, and consider [it] in thine heart, that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: [there is] none else.

Contradiction with Psalm 86:10

This verse claims, "For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone," underscoring the singularity and unmatched power of God over any other gods.

Psalm 86:10: For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:11

This verse indicates, "The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth," challenging the idea that other gods hold substantial power as implied in 2 Kings 18:34.

Jeremiah 10:11: Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, [even] they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

Paradox #1

2 Kings 18:34 refers to the Assyrian king questioning the power of other nations' gods compared to the God of Israel. A contradiction might arise when considering the archaeological evidence that suggests some of these cities mentioned in the verse weren't fully conquered by the Assyrians at that time, contrary to what the verse implies.

Paradox #2

This verse reflects a conflict where the power and protection of local gods of different cities are compared to the God of Israel. The contradiction arises from the questioning of these gods' abilities, which might appear inconsistent with respecting other cultures' beliefs. It's a conflict between faith in one's own deity while discounting others, potentially leading to ethnic or religious tension.