Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Kings 2:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Kings 2:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Kings 2:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Kings, Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind because he needs to go to Jericho, but Elisha insists on staying with Elijah because he is loyal and cares for him. This shows how much Elisha wants to follow and support Elijah, trusting that being together is important.

2 Kings 2:4: And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:11

This verse encourages believers to comfort and edify one another, which contrasts with Elisha’s response to Elijah's command to stay in Bethel rather than accompany him.

1 Thessalonians 5:11: Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. [comfort: or, exhort]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:39

Jesus teaches to not resist an evil person, offering a contrast to the directive nature of the command in 2 Kings 2:4 where Elijah is testing Elisha.

Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Contradiction with Genesis 28:15

God’s promise to Jacob to not leave him until His promises are fulfilled contrasts with Elijah’s instruction to Elisha to stay behind.

Genesis 28:15: And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5

God's promise to never leave or forsake believers contradicts Elijah asking Elisha to stay behind.

Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10

God assures His presence and support for those He calls, unlike Elijah's instruction for Elisha to stay behind.

Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5-6

Advises trust in the Lord’s guidance unlike Elijah's test of Elisha, challenging his following.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with Psalm 23:4

Speaks of God's guidance through the darkest valley, contrasting with the idea of being left behind as suggested in 2 Kings 2:4.

Psalm 23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
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