Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Kings 3:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Kings 3:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Kings 3:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Kings, Mesha, who was the king of Moab, took care of many sheep and gave a huge gift of 100,000 baby sheep and 100,000 big sheep with their wool to the king of Israel. This was like a big payment to keep peace or friendship with Israel.

2 Kings 3:4: And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 4:21

Contradicts the tribute by suggesting all kingdoms, including Moab, were under Solomon's dominion, implying different tribute dynamics.

1 Kings 4:21: And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 2:9

God commands the Israelites not to contend with Moab, contrasting with the conflict implied in tribute collection.

Deuteronomy 2:9: And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land [for] a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot [for] a possession. [Distress...: or, Use no hostility against Moab]

Contradiction with Numbers 22:1-2

The Moabites were fearful and opposed Israel, contradicting the notion of a peaceful tribute relationship.

Numbers 22:1-2: And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan [by] Jericho.

Contradiction with Amos 2:1

Describes Moab's rebellion against Israel, indicating animosity rather than the peaceful tribute as in 2 Kings 3:4.

Amos 2:1: Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

Contradiction with Judges 3:12-14

Israel was subject to Moab earlier, contradicting Moab's subservience in 2 Kings 3:4.

Judges 3:12-14: And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
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