Contradiction with 1 Kings 13:2
This verse predicts the desecration of the high places under King Josiah, which 2 Kings 23:19 confirms; it may seem contradictory if one interprets early desecration and honoring the prophesied destruction differently.
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 23:5
Contradicts by showing previous actions taken against high places, suggesting a complete purging by Josiah was unnecessary in 23:19.
2 Kings 23:5: And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. [put...: Heb. caused to cease] [idolatrous...: Heb. Chemarim] [planets: or, twelve signs or, constellations]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 34:7
Indicates extensive reforms by Josiah throughout Israel, seemingly contradicting the need for continued actions in 2 Kings 23:19.
2 Chronicles 34:7: And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem. [into...: Heb. to make powder]
Paradox #1
The contradiction could be related to the account of King Josiah's reforms. 2 Kings describes Josiah destroying altars and high places during his reforms, but there might be inconsistencies with other historical records or archaeological findings that suggest different timing, extent, or effectiveness of these reforms. These records might not fully align with the biblical account.