Contradiction with 1 Kings 3:12-13
These verses describe Solomon as having unparalleled wisdom and wealth, making him unlike any other king before or after, contrasting with the uniqueness of Josiah's devotion in 2 Kings 23:25.
1 Kings 3:12-13: Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 18:5
Describes Hezekiah's singular faithfulness, stating there was no king like him before or after, contradicting the unprecedented devotion attributed to Josiah in 2 Kings 23:25.
2 Kings 18:5: He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [any] that were before him.
Paradox #1
The main contradiction in that verse is the comparison of King Josiah to other kings. The verse might seem to suggest that Josiah was unparalleled in his devotion and obedience to God. However, elsewhere, King David is often highlighted as the ideal king whose heart was fully devoted to God. This introduces a tension or inconsistency in assessing the greatest or most faithful king according to different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
2 Kings 23:25 could be seen as inconsistent with the descriptions of other kings, especially King David, who is often shown as the ideal king despite his flaws. The verse describes King Josiah as unmatched in his obedience and dedication to God, which might seem contradictory given that King David is also portrayed as having a special relationship with God. This could be perceived as conflicting accounts of who was the "greatest" king.
Paradox #3
The moral conflict could arise from the verse praising King Josiah for his unmatched faithfulness and dedication to God, yet the biblical narrative also includes instances where Josiah's reforms and actions led to violence and destruction of places and objects associated with other beliefs. This raises questions about whether the ends justify the means and if such actions align with the broader teachings of compassion and nonviolence in the Bible.
Paradox #4
There might be a contradiction or inconsistency concerning 2 Kings 23:25 when it describes King Josiah as having no equal before or after him in turning to the Lord. The potential issue arises when comparing this statement to accounts of other kings, such as King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18:5, who is also described with unparalleled devotion. The contradiction lies in both having descriptions suggesting they were unmatched, creating a conflict over who was truly unique in their faithfulness.