Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse commands against making graven images, which contradicts 2 Kings 21:7 where an image is set up in the house of the Lord.
Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:3
This verse instructs the destruction of idols and images, conflicting with 2 Kings 21:7 where an idol is placed in the temple.
Deuteronomy 12:3: And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. [overthrow: Heb. break down]
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
These verses highlight the futility of idols, contradicting 2 Kings 21:7 where an idol is made and set up.
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 Deuteronomy 4:16-19
These verses warn against idolatry, contradicting the practice described in 2 Kings 21:7.
Deuteronomy 4:16-19: Lest ye corrupt [yourselves], and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-8
These verses criticize the making and worshiping of idols, contrary to the actions in 2 Kings 21:7.
Psalm 115:4-8: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:14-15
These verses emphasize the foolishness of idol creation, conflicting with the event in 2 Kings 21:7.
Jeremiah 10:14-15: Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them. [brutish in his knowledge: or, more brutish than to know]
Contradiction with Leviticus 26:1
This verse prohibits idols and images, which contradicts the erection of an idol as described in 2 Kings 21:7.
Leviticus 26:1: Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God. [standing...: or, pillar] [image of...: or, figured stone: Heb. a stone of picture]
Paradox #1
2 Kings 21:7 describes a king setting up an idol in the temple, which was supposed to be a sacred place for worshipping God only. The contradiction or conflict lies in the fact that idol worship is strictly forbidden in the Ten Commandments, and God’s temple was meant to remain holy and free from idols. This action goes against the core teachings and commandments in other parts of the Bible about worshiping only one God and not creating or worshiping idols.
Paradox #2
2 Kings 21:7 talks about King Manasseh placing an idol in the temple, which contradicts earlier commandments against idolatry and the teaching that the temple is a holy place for worshiping God alone, as seen in the Ten Commandments and other scriptures.
Paradox #3
The contradiction could lie in the fact that while this verse mentions a specific image set up in the temple, other historical texts or archaeological findings might not confirm such an event or idol. This could lead to inconsistencies between the biblical account and historical records.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in 2 Kings 21:7 could be seen in the promotion of idolatry, which conflicts with earlier biblical commandments against idol worship. This inconsistency arises because the leader sets up an idol in a sacred place, which goes against the teachings of worshiping only one God.