Contradiction with 1 Kings 7:23
While 1 Kings 7:23 also describes the design of the molten sea, the dimensions imply an imprecise value of pi, which could contradict the "exact" measurements presented in different interpretations.
1 Kings 7:23: And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: [it was] round all about, and his height [was] five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about. [from...: Heb. from his brim to his brim]
Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse prohibits the making of graven images, which may seem contradictory to crafting detailed items like the molten sea for the temple.
Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Acts 17:24
God is described as not dwelling in temples made with hands, which contradicts the extensive detail and effort described in 2 Chronicles 4:2 for the Temple furnishings.
Acts 17:24: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:18
Discusses the inadequacy of images to represent God, which may contrast with the detailed and grand design of temple items like the molten sea.
Isaiah 40:18: To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Paradox #1
The conflict with 2 Chronicles 4:2 arises from the description of a circular object whose measurements suggest a mathematical inaccuracy. The verse describes a large basin, using numbers for its circumference and diameter that imply the value of pi as 3, rather than the more accurate value of approximately 3.14. This inconsistency in using a simplified mathematical ratio can raise questions about the precision of the measurements recorded in the text.
Paradox #2
The scientific inconsistency in that verse is about the description of a circular object whose diameter and circumference imply the value of pi as 3, instead of the more accurate and known value of approximately 3.14159.
Paradox #3
The numerical issue with that verse is related to the measurement of a circular object. The verse describes a circular basin with a diameter of 10 cubits and a circumference of 30 cubits. Using the formula for the circumference of a circle (C = πd), the circumference should be about 31.4 cubits if the diameter is 10 cubits, assuming π is 3.14. However, the verse simplifies this and results in the ratio of π being approximated as 3, leading to a slight numerical inconsistency by modern mathematical standards.