Contradictions and Paradoxes in Esther 4:2

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

According to the author of the Book of Esther, people were not allowed to come near the king’s special door if they were wearing sad clothes because it was a place for happy and important things. The king wanted people to show respect and be nicely dressed when coming close to his special door.

Esther 4:2: And came even before the king's gate: for none [might] enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

Contradiction with Leviticus 21:10

The high priest must not tear his clothes, showing a contradiction since Mordecai publicly expressed grief by tearing his clothes at the king's gate.

Leviticus 21:10: And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:3

Advises not to be hasty or stand against the king, while Mordecai boldly displayed his sorrow at the king's gate.

Ecclesiastes 8:3: Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Contradiction with Romans 13:1-2

Urges subjection to governing authorities, in contrast to Mordecai's open defiance by wearing sackcloth and ashes at the palace entrance.

Romans 13:1-2: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [ordained: or, ordered]

Contradiction with 1 Peter 2:13

Encourages submission to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, contrary to Mordecai's public mourning at the king's gate.

1 Peter 2:13: Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

Contradiction with Proverbs 24:21

Advises fear of the king and not associating with those given to change, inverse to Mordecai's actions challenging royal regulations.

Proverbs 24:21: My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change: [them...: Heb. changers]

Paradox #1

Esther 4:2 mentions that Mordecai was not allowed to enter the king's gate while wearing sackcloth. The contradiction might be related to the idea that sackcloth and acts of mourning were prohibited in certain royal areas, which could be inconsistent with other historical practices of mourning in ancient Persia. However, there is limited historical evidence on this specific cultural practice, so it might be more about interpreting the customs of the time rather than a clear contradiction.

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