Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands having no other gods, contradicting the continued idolatry mentioned in 2 Kings 17:40.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:5
This verse instructs to love God with all heart and soul, conflicting with the divided worship practices in 2 Kings 17:40.
Deuteronomy 6:5: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Contradiction with Joshua 24:15
This verse is about choosing to serve the Lord alone, which contrasts with the refusal to listen in 2 Kings 17:40.
Joshua 24:15: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:14
This verse commands worshipping no other god, opposing the failure to serve God alone in 2 Kings 17:40.
Exodus 34:14: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:
Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:21
This verse challenges wavering between God and idols, in direct contradiction to the actions in 2 Kings 17:40.
1 Kings 18:21: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. [opinions: or, thoughts]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
This verse states that no one can serve two masters, which contrasts with the divided loyalty described in 2 Kings 17:40.
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 Isaiah 42:8
This verse declares God will not share His glory, contradicting the simultaneous worship of other deities mentioned in 2 Kings 17:40.
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 Hosea 13:4
This verse emphasizes no Savior apart from God, directly opposing the idolatry referenced in 2 Kings 17:40.
Hosea 13:4: Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:6
This verse warns against following other gods, conflicting with their actions in 2 Kings 17:40.
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 2 Corinthians 6:16
This verse declares God's temple must not associate with idols, completely opposing the behavior outlined in 2 Kings 17:40.
2 Corinthians 6:16: And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Paradox #1
Historical Contradiction: The contradiction could be that while 2 Kings 17:40 in the Bible mentions the Israelites not listening and persisting in previous practices, there is limited archaeological evidence to fully verify the extent to which specific practices were continued by the Israelites during this period. Scholars sometimes debate the accuracy and completeness of the historical records available in the text versus what archaeologists can confirm.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in 2 Kings 17:40 might be seen in the way people are warned but continue in disobedience. The conflict arises between the expectation of following guidance or commands and the choice to ignore them, highlighting a disconnect between knowing what is right and actually doing it.