Contradiction with Exodus 20:14
This verse commands against adultery, while Esther 2:14 involves a woman spending a night with King Ahasuerus, who was not her husband.
Exodus 20:14: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:17
This verse advises against a king having many wives, contrasting with the king's actions of taking multiple women as seen in Esther 2:14.
Deuteronomy 17:17: Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Contradiction with Proverbs 31:3
This verse warns against giving strength to women that ruin kings, which contrasts with the king's behavior in Esther 2:14.
Proverbs 31:3: Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:28
This verse equates lust with adultery in one’s heart, while Esther 2:14 depicts the king’s desire for multiple women without implying sin.
Matthew 5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:18
This verse advises fleeing from sexual immorality, whereas Esther 2:14 presents a scenario of the king engaging physically with many women.
1 Corinthians 6:18: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Contradiction with James 1:14-15
These verses discuss temptation leading to sin, which presents a moral framework that could view the king's actions in Esther 2:14 as tempting and sinful.
James 1:14-15: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Paradox #1
Esther 2:14 might raise questions about the morality and ethical implications of King Xerxes keeping a harem and women having to spend the night with him to potentially become queen. Some people might find this setting troubling given modern understandings of consent and gender equality. However, the Bible reflects the historical and cultural context in which it was written, which can lead to perceived tensions with contemporary values but not necessarily a contradiction.
Paradox #2
The potential issue with Esther 2:14 could be seen in how the process described might conflict with teachings about sexual morality and premarital relationships that are found in other parts of the Bible. Some people might view this as inconsistent with commands elsewhere about sexual purity and marriage.
Paradox #3
This verse might raise questions about the moral implications of women being taken to the king without a choice. It can seem to conflict with modern views on consent and autonomy, as it reflects practices that prioritized the desires of those in power over individual agency.