Contradiction with Jeremiah 52:28
States that 3,023 people were carried away in the seventh year, differing from the account of "all Jerusalem" in 2 Kings 24:14.
Jeremiah 52:28: This [is] the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 39:10
Mentions the poor of the land being left behind, contradicting 2 Kings 24:14 which implies all the people were taken.
Jeremiah 39:10: But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. [captain...: or, chief marshal: Heb. chief of the executioners, or, slaughtermen] [at the...: Heb. in that day]
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the idea of punishment or exile of innocent people, including the poor and craftsmen, during the conquest. While the intention might have been to weaken a rebellious kingdom, it raises questions about fairness and justice for those who are not directly involved in any wrongdoing but still suffer the consequences.
Paradox #2
In 2 Kings 24:14, it mentions a specific number of people being taken into exile. The contradiction or inconsistency arises when this number is compared with the figures given in other biblical accounts of the same event, such as in Jeremiah 52:28-30, where different numbers are listed for the exiled groups. This creates a conflict in the precise count of people involved in the exile.