Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 34:4
While 2 Kings 23:6 mentions the removal of the grove from the House of the Lord, this verse describes the breaking down of altars and groves as occurring throughout all of Judah and Jerusalem, suggesting a broader scope.
2 Chronicles 34:4: And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that [were] on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust [of them], and strowed [it] upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. [the images: or, the sun images] [graves: Heb. face of the graves]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 14:23
This verse indicates the high places and images, including groves, were made by the people, implying acceptance versus the removal described in 2 Kings 23:6.
1 Kings 14:23: For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. [images: or, standing images, or, statues]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:30
Describes Judah putting abominations in God's house, while 2 Kings 23:6 discusses their removal.
Jeremiah 7:30: For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it.
Paradox #1
Some scholars point out that 2 Kings 23:6 mentions actions taken during King Josiah's reforms, which could conflict with historical accounts outside the Bible. Archaeological findings sometimes suggest that religious practices Josiah aimed to eliminate continued even after his reign. This raises questions about the extent or effectiveness of his reforms. Additionally, differences between the accounts in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles about Josiah’s reforms have been noted, which might indicate inconsistencies in the biblical narrative.