Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
2 Kings 17:12 discusses idol worship, whereas this verse commands having no other gods before the LORD, contradicting the idolatry described.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:14
This verse demands worship only of the jealous God, contradicting the practice in 2 Kings 17:12 of serving idols.
Exodus 34:14: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:7-9
These verses prohibit making and worshiping idols, contradicting the actions of serving idols as mentioned in 2 Kings 17:12.
Deuteronomy 5:7-9: Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:20-21
This calls for turning away from vain gods and serving the LORD, contrasting the idol worship mentioned in 2 Kings 17:12.
1 Samuel 12:20-21: And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
The LORD declares He will not share His glory with idols, contradicting the idol worship depicted in 2 Kings 17:12.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:6
This warns against going after other gods, conflicting with the idol worship described in 2 Kings 17:12.
Jeremiah 25:6: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
Contradiction with Matthew 4:10
Jesus instructs to worship and serve only God, opposing the idolatry practiced in 2 Kings 17:12.
Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in this context might relate to the belief in idols or supernatural beings having power, which contrasts with a scientific understanding of the world that relies on natural laws and observable phenomena. Science typically requires evidence and does not support the existence of supernatural forces or deities, whereas the verse involves worshiping entities not demonstrable by empirical evidence.
Paradox #2
This verse talks about people worshiping idols, which is seen as wrong. A moral conflict could arise because elsewhere in the Bible, God's chosen people sometimes make and use objects for worship, like in the building of the Temple. The inconsistency is about when using or making religious objects is considered acceptable or not.