Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:13-15
These verses explain that if the Israelites and their king disobey the commandments of the Lord, then God's hand will be against them, suggesting that the king’s word is not ultimate.
1 Samuel 12:13-15: Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, [and] whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.
Contradiction with Acts 5:29
This verse states that we ought to obey God rather than men, implying that human authority, including that of a king, is not absolute.
Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Contradiction with Daniel 2:21
This verse indicates that God changes times and seasons, He removes kings and sets up kings, showing that a king's word is not final because God has supreme authority.
Daniel 2:21: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:23
This verse mentions that it's not in man to direct his steps, suggesting that a king’s authority is limited and not autonomous or final.
Jeremiah 10:23: O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Contradiction with Hosea 13:11
This verse implies that God, who gives kings, can also take them away, highlighting that the king’s power is not supreme as God has control over their reign.
Hosea 13:11: I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 8:4 might seem to suggest that a king's word is supreme and unquestionable. A possible contradiction could be that other parts of the Bible emphasize God's ultimate authority and sometimes depict human kings making mistakes or being challenged by prophets. This could create a tension between the idea of unquestioning obedience to earthly rulers and the higher accountability to God's laws and wisdom.
Paradox #2
Ecclesiastes 8:4 can be seen as conflicting with the concept of free will. The verse suggests that where the word of a king is, there is power, and who can challenge him? Some might view this as contradictory to the idea that individuals have free will and the ability to question authority, including divine authority. It emphasizes absolute power and authority, which can seem at odds with parts of the Bible that encourage questioning and personal choice.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict could relate to differing interpretations of authority and the divine right of kings. Some historical contexts may challenge or question the extent of a king's authority and whether it should be absolute or limited by laws or other powers.
Paradox #4
Ecclesiastes 8:4 suggests that a king's word has great authority and should not be questioned. A contradiction could arise if we consider the idea that moral and ethical actions should sometimes challenge authority when it is unjust. This could conflict with the notion of blindly following authority without question.