Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse contradicts 2 Kings 5:18 by commanding the worship of no other gods, while 2 Kings 5:18 contains Naaman seeking forgiveness for assisting in the worship of Rimmon.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:13
This verse instructs to not make mention of other gods, conflicting with Naaman’s request to bow in the house of Rimmon.
Exodus 23:13: And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
It prohibits following other gods, which contradicts Naaman’s involvement in temple rituals of Rimmon.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 13:6-8
Commands not to yield to enticing to worship other gods, in contrast to Naaman’s situation.
Deuteronomy 13:6-8: If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
Contradiction with Joshua 23:7
Warns against associating with other nations’ gods, conflicting with Naaman’s allowance of worshiping Rimmon.
Joshua 23:7: That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:
Contradiction with 1 Kings 9:6-7
Warns against serving other gods, contradicting Naaman’s involvement in Rimmon worship.
1 Kings 9:6-7: [But] if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments [and] my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
God declares He will not share His glory, which contradicts Naaman's act of bowing to Rimmon.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:6
Advises against serving other gods, contradicting Naaman’s act in the temple of Rimmon.
Jeremiah 25:6: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
Paradox #1
The verse raises a potential conflict for some readers because it involves a person seeking forgiveness for participating in a religious practice associated with another god. This could seem inconsistent with the strict monotheism and exclusive worship of God generally emphasized in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in 2 Kings 5:18 could be seen in the tension between monotheism and participating in pagan worship practices. Naaman is shown asking for forgiveness for bowing in the temple of a foreign god, which might seem inconsistent with the strict monotheistic teachings found elsewhere in the Bible. This raises questions about the acceptability of such actions within the context of faith in one God.
Paradox #3
2 Kings 5:18 might seem to have a contradiction because it involves Naaman, who after being healed by Elisha, continues to serve his king in a temple dedicated to a different god, Rimmon. Some might see this as inconsistent with the expectation that worshipers of the God of Israel should exclusively follow Him and not participate in any form of idol worship. However, Naaman seeks understanding and forgiveness for this action, which can be viewed as a personal conflict between his newfound faith and his social and political duties.
Paradox #4
The moral conflict in this verse could be about loyalty and worship. Naaman wants forgiveness for bowing in a temple of a different god while still committing to the God of Israel. This can seem inconsistent because it raises questions about whether it's right to participate in rituals for other gods even if one's intention is to stay loyal to one true God.