Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Kings 17:38

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Kings 17:38 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Kings 17:38. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 2 Kings, God is telling the people not to forget the special promise He made with them and to trust only Him, not to be afraid of or worship other gods. God wants them to remember that He is the one who takes care of them.

2 Kings 17:38: And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

This verse contradicts 2 Kings 17:38 as it commands the worship of no other gods, whereas worshipping God alone supports 2 Kings 17:38, the contradiction lies in differing consequences or emphasis, both mandate exclusive worship.

Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Contradiction with Exodus 23:13

This verse instructs Israel to diligently avoid mentioning other gods, reinforcing the exclusive worship of God in 2 Kings 17:38, but the possible contradiction lies in differing emphasis on the manner of avoiding other gods.

Exodus 23:13: And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14

This verse contradicts 2 Kings 17:38 as it forbids following other gods, echoing the exclusive covenant with God, yet distinction comes in the consequence or instruction emphasis.

Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 8:19

This verse contradicts 2 Kings 17:38 by prescribing dire consequences for following other gods, reinforcing exclusive worship implied in 2 Kings 17:38 but highlighting punishment.

Deuteronomy 8:19: And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

Contradiction with Joshua 23:16

This verse states that turning to other gods and serving them results in the destruction of Israel, paralleling exclusive worship in 2 Kings 17:38 but offering specific consequences.

Joshua 23:16: When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in this context could be seen as the expectation of absolute faithfulness to one God, which may appear to clash with the acceptance of other beliefs or religious tolerance. Some might see this as inconsistent with values like open-mindedness and freedom of belief.

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