Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:31
This verse instructs not to do the abominable practices of other nations, directly contradicting the actions described in 2 Kings 16:3.
Deuteronomy 12:31: Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. [to the: Heb. of the]
Contradiction with Leviticus 20:23
God commands the Israelites not to follow the customs of the nations, which contradicts the behavior in 2 Kings 16:3.
Leviticus 20:23: And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 20:18
God told the Israelites not to follow the statutes of their fathers, opposing the actions taken in 2 Kings 16:3.
Ezekiel 20:18: But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:9
Warns against learning to follow the detestable ways of the nations, contrary to the practices followed in 2 Kings 16:3.
Deuteronomy 18:9: When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:24
Commands to not bow down to other gods or follow their practices, which is opposite to what is done in 2 Kings 16:3.
Exodus 23:24: Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 33:9
Emphasizes that leading people astray to do more evil as the nations did is wrong, contrary to 2 Kings 16:3.
2 Chronicles 33:9: So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, [and] to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.
Contradiction with Leviticus 18:26-27
God explicitly tells Israelites not to commit the abominations that the other nations did, opposing 2 Kings 16:3 actions.
Leviticus 18:26-27: Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:2
Advises not to learn the way of the heathen, which is in direct contradiction to what is done in 2 Kings 16:3.
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.
Paradox #1
2 Kings 16:3 could be seen as inconsistent with the general biblical teaching against child sacrifice, as seen in other parts of the Bible that strongly condemn such practices, like in Deuteronomy 18:10. This presents a moral and theological conflict within the biblical narrative.
Paradox #2
The contradiction might come from the fact that 2 Kings 16:3 describes practices that are condemned elsewhere in the Bible. Different parts of the Bible give conflicting views about those practices—some passages strictly oppose them while others describe them happening, which can seem inconsistent.
Paradox #3
2 Kings 16:3 mentions that King Ahaz engaged in practices similar to those of the nations around Israel. This could be seen as a conflict with other parts of the Bible that consistently instruct the Israelites to avoid adopting the customs and religious practices of surrounding nations. This inconsistency highlights a deviation from the expected religious conduct according to the laws given to the Israelites.
Paradox #4
This Bible verse describes practices, like child sacrifice, which are considered unethical and scientifically unfounded today. Science prioritizes evidence-based understanding of the world, while this verse reflects cultural beliefs of ancient times. Therefore, from a modern scientific and ethical standpoint, the actions described conflict with contemporary values and scientific understanding of human rights and morality.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse could be that it describes actions that go against the ethical and religious teachings found elsewhere in the Bible. It portrays a king who engages in practices considered wrong and detestable according to biblical standards. This might seem inconsistent with the Bible's overall promotion of morality and righteousness.