Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:33
This verse states that they feared the Lord yet served their own gods, contradicting the idea of worshipping God exclusively as mentioned in 2 Kings 17:32.
2 Kings 17:33: They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence. [whom...: or, who carried them away from thence]
Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands that there should be no other gods before the Lord, which contradicts 2 Kings 17:32 where nations appointed their own priests.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
This verse states no one can serve two masters implying exclusivity to God, contradicting the idea of serving their own gods alongside fearing the Lord in 2 Kings 17:32.
Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Contradiction with James 1:8
This verse speaks of a double-minded man's instability, highlighting the inconsistency of fearing God while serving other gods in 2 Kings 17:32.
James 1:8: A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction in 2 Kings 17:32 is that it describes people worshiping the Lord while also serving their own gods. This could be seen as inconsistent because the Bible teaches that worship should be devoted solely to God without mixing it with other beliefs or practices.
Paradox #2
2 Kings 17:32 describes a situation where people were worshiping both the Lord and other gods simultaneously. The potential doctrinal conflict here is with the biblical teaching that worship should be directed to the Lord alone, as emphasized in the Ten Commandments, which discourage idolatry and emphasize exclusive devotion to God. This practice of mixed worship goes against the idea of serving only one God.
Paradox #3
2 Kings 17:32 talks about fearing the Lord while also serving their own gods. The contradiction or inconsistency in this could be the simultaneous worship of the Lord alongside other gods, which goes against the commandment that demands exclusive worship of the one true God. This could create conflict regarding the idea of loyalty and true devotion in the context of monotheistic beliefs.
Paradox #4
This verse might show a contradiction because the people are said to worship both the true God and other gods at the same time. This can seem inconsistent with the general biblical teaching that God wants exclusive worship and loyalty, as seen in other parts of the Bible like the Ten Commandments.