Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:14-15
Deuteronomy states the Israelites would appoint a king 'whom the LORD thy God shall choose' which juxtaposes the idea of kings reigning before any king 'reigned over the children of Israel' mentioned in Genesis 36:31.
Deuteronomy 17:14-15: When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;
Paradox #1
Genesis 36:31 might seem to present a contradiction because it refers to kings ruling in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. This could appear inconsistent with the narrative timeline presented in earlier parts of the Bible, suggesting the text may have been written or finalized after Israel had established kings, despite being part of older Genesis material.
Paradox #2
Genesis 36:31 mentions a list of kings in Edom before any king ruled over the Israelites. Some see a potential contradiction because it suggests knowledge of Israelite kings, who were established much later. This could imply that this verse was written after the time of the Israelite kings, which might conflict with traditional views of when and by whom the book was written.
Paradox #3
The contradiction related to that verse is that it mentions kings of Edom reigning before any king ruled over the Israelites. Some people find this inconsistent with the timeline, as it suggests knowledge of the Israelite monarchy before it was established.
Paradox #4
The contradiction with this verse arises because it mentions kings of Edom "before any Israelite king reigned". However, in other parts of the Bible, particularly in the genealogies and timelines, it suggests that the kingdom of Israel had already been established before or around the same time these Edomite kings are listed. This could create confusion about the chronological order of events.