Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands not to have other gods before the Lord, contradicting the idolatrous practices described in 2 Kings 21:3.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:30-31
These verses warn against worshipping other gods and following abominable practices, in contrast to the idolatry depicted in 2 Kings 21:3.
Deuteronomy 12:30-31: Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. [by...: Heb. after them]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 16:21-22
This passage forbids the planting of groves and the setting up of images associated with idol worship, directly opposing the actions mentioned in 2 Kings 21:3.
Deuteronomy 16:21-22: Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:21
Elijah's challenge to choose between the Lord and Baal contradicts the syncretism of worship described in 2 Kings 21:3.
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 Jeremiah 19:5
Condemns the building of high places to worship other deities, which is similar to the practices criticized in 2 Kings 21:3.
Jeremiah 19:5: They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind:
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 33:3
While this verse is a parallel account confirming the actions in 2 Kings 21:3, it contradicts the expectation of fidelity found in the broader biblical narrative.
2 Chronicles 33:3: For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. [he built...: Heb. he returned and built]
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
These verses ridicule idol makers, contrasting the idol worship initiated in 2 Kings 21:3.
Isaiah 44:9-10: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]
Contradiction with Hosea 13:1-2
Criticizes Israel for making idols, directly contradicting the idol worship practices described in 2 Kings 21:3.
Hosea 13:1-2: When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
Contradiction with Acts 17:29
Paul's argument against idols made by human design contradicts the idolatry practices touched upon in 2 Kings 21:3.
Acts 17:29: Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in 2 Kings 21:3 could relate to the re-establishment of pagan worship practices, which goes against the commandment to worship only Yahweh, the God of Israel. This could be seen as inconsistent with the biblical teachings that emphasize exclusive devotion to God.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in this context could arise from differences in the accounts of religious practices and reforms in different parts of the Bible. For instance, one part of the Bible might describe certain practices as being eliminated or condemned by earlier kings or leaders, while another part, like in this verse, describes a return to those same practices. This can cause confusion or a sense of inconsistency about the chronology and the nature of religious worship during different periods of biblical history.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in this verse could stem from the mention of worship practices involving heavenly bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. Scientifically, these celestial bodies are natural objects governed by physical laws, not deities or entities with influence over human affairs. Thus, the idea of worshiping them as gods conflicts with a scientific understanding of their nature.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the tension between adhering to earlier commandments or beliefs and the actions of some leaders who might choose to follow different religious practices. This inconsistency can create conflict between upholding traditional values and embracing new or forbidden practices.