Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10
This verse prohibits practices such as divination and witchcraft, which are mentioned as wrongdoings in 2 Kings 17:17.
Deuteronomy 18:10: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:31
This verse instructs not to turn to mediums or seek out spirits, directly opposing the actions condemned in 2 Kings 17:17.
Leviticus 19:31: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 47:13-14
These verses mock the astrologers and stargazers, contradicting the practices engaged in by the people in 2 Kings 17:17.
Isaiah 47:13-14: Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee. [astrologers: Heb. viewers of the heavens] [the monthly...: Heb. that give knowledge concerning the months]
Contradiction with Micah 5:12
This verse states that witchcraft and soothsaying will be cut off, contrasting with the practices listed in 2 Kings 17:17.
Micah 5:12: And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no [more] soothsayers:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 27:9
This verse warns against listening to soothsayers and diviners, in opposition to the practices in 2 Kings 17:17.
Jeremiah 27:9: Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: [dreamers: Heb. dreams]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:23
This verse calls rebellion as the sin of divination and insubordination as iniquity, contrary to what occurs in 2 Kings 17:17.
1 Samuel 15:23: For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. [witchcraft: Heb. divination]
Contradiction with Exodus 22:18
This verse commands not to allow a witch to live, conflicting with the actions involving witchcraft in 2 Kings 17:17.
Exodus 22:18: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:19-21
These verses list idolatry and sorcery among the works of the flesh, contrasting the practices in 2 Kings 17:17.
Galatians 5:19-21: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this context could relate to practices mentioned in the verse that conflict with modern scientific understanding and ethical beliefs. For instance, practices like divination and child sacrifice—which are indicated in the verse—are inconsistent with contemporary scientific perspectives on ethics, psychology, and human rights. Science-based approaches reject these actions as harmful and non-rational.
Paradox #2
This verse describes actions that are strongly condemned in the Bible, such as divination and child sacrifice. The contradiction or conflict could arise from the fact that other parts of the Bible portray a loving and just God who values life and forbids such practices. The inconsistency lies in the existence of such actions within a narrative that is meant to convey moral and ethical teachings.