Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Kings 1:13

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Kings 1:13 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Kings 1:13. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Kings, the third captain was very humble and begged Elijah to spare his life and the lives of his men. He showed respect by kneeling and calling Elijah "man of God," hoping Elijah would be kind to them.

2 Kings 1:13: And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. [fell: Heb. bowed]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse instructs to love your enemies and bless those who curse you, contrasting the destruction called upon in 2 Kings 1:13.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" could be viewed as contradicting the previous calls for destruction of the captains and their men before this verse.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1

This verse suggests that a soft answer turns away wrath, contrasting the fiery judgment dispensed upon the soldiers preceding this verse.

Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Advises against taking vengeance, which seems contrary to the punitive divine action displayed earlier in 2 Kings 1 involving Elijah.

Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Luke 9:54-55

Jesus rebukes his disciples for wanting to call down fire from heaven, which directly contrasts the events surrounding 2 Kings 1:13.

Luke 9:54-55: And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

Contradiction with James 1:20

States that human anger does not produce righteousness, contradicting how divine wrath is executed in 2 Kings 1.

James 1:20: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Contradiction with Psalm 103:8

Describes God as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, contrasting with the swift judgment seen earlier in the 2 Kings 1 narrative.

Psalm 103:8: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
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