Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands the worship of no other gods, contradicting the action of King Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28:23, who worshiped the gods of Damascus.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:7
This verse also commands against serving other gods, directly opposing King Ahaz's actions.
Deuteronomy 5:7: Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:30-31
These verses warn against adopting the religious practices of other nations, which Ahaz did by sacrificing to the gods of Damascus.
Deuteronomy 12:30-31: Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. [by...: Heb. after them]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:2
This verse advises against following the ways of the nations, in contradiction to Ahaz who followed Damascus' gods.
Jeremiah 10:2: Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
Contradiction with Isaiah 43:10-11
Declares that before God there was no God formed, neither shall there be after, contradicting the worship of any other gods as Ahaz did.
Isaiah 43:10-11: Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. [no...: or, nothing formed of God]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:5-6
States that although there are many so-called gods, for Christians, there is only one God, which contradicts Ahaz’s actions of acknowledging other gods.
1 Corinthians 8:5-6: For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
Contradiction with Psalm 96:5
Indicates that all the gods of the nations are idols, contrasting Ahaz's belief in the gods of Damascus.
Psalm 96:5: For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Contradiction with Isaiah 45:20
Criticizes the worship of gods that cannot save, contradicting Ahaz’s reliance on them for help.
Isaiah 45:20: Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye [that are] escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god [that] cannot save.
Paradox #1
The contradiction could arise from the fact that King Ahaz worshipped the gods of the nations that defeated him, believing they helped those nations. This might be inconsistent with the central biblical theme that there is only one true God, and worshipping other gods is often shown to lead to downfall, not success. It conflicts with the broader scripture's message about faithfulness to the God of Israel.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in 2 Chronicles 28:23 arises from the claim that the gods of Damascus helped the king of Aram win battles because this conflicts with the general biblical theme that other gods are powerless compared to the God of Israel. However, the verse reflects King Ahaz’s mistaken belief, rather than factual power of these gods, which he later realized was wrong.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse could be that the king turns to worship the gods of a nation that defeated him in battle, hoping for help from them. This conflicts with the idea of being faithful to one’s own God and tradition, as it suggests turning away from one’s beliefs in times of trouble instead of seeking strength or guidance from them.
Paradox #4
The potential numerical inconsistency in 2 Chronicles 28:23 might arise from comparing this verse with other biblical accounts regarding the outcomes of seeking assistance from foreign gods or nations. The verse suggests a reason for seeking help that contradicts the usual biblical condemnation of seeking foreign gods, which often resulted in negative outcomes. This could seem inconsistent with the broader narrative that typically punishes such actions.