2 Kings 2:17 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the writer of 2 Kings, the people kept asking Elisha to send men to look for Elijah until he felt embarrassed and agreed. They searched for Elijah for three days but couldn't find him.

Contradiction with Matthew 11:25

This verse highlights the belief that God reveals wisdom to those who are childlike, contrasting with 2 Kings 2:17 where Elisha allows himself to be persuaded by the persistence of the sons of the prophets, showing human initiative over divine revelation.

Matthew 11:25: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Contradiction with Luke 16:31

This verse emphasizes that even if someone returns from the dead, people who won't listen to Moses and the prophets won't be persuaded, contrasting with 2 Kings 2:17 where persuasion is achieved by persistent pleading.

Luke 16:31: And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Contradiction with Mark 9:23

This verse expresses that all things are possible to the one who believes, which contradicts the doubt displayed in 2 Kings 2:17 when the search for Elijah is insisted upon despite knowing his divine departure.

Mark 9:23: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Contradiction with Exodus 14:14

This verse talks about the Lord fighting for you and being still, whereas in 2 Kings 2:17, the sons of the prophets persistently urge Elisha to send them out, relying on human action instead of divine intervention.

Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

Here, obedience is better than sacrifice, whereas in 2 Kings 2:17, Elisha heeds to persistent requests that may not align with initial divine instructions.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9

These verses illustrate that God's ways are higher than human ways, which contrasts with the decision-making in 2 Kings 2:17 based on human persistence rather than divine understanding.