Exploring the Divine Dilemma: Are There Other Gods?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 32:17 contradicts Exodus 20:3, Isaiah 45:5, 1 Corinthians 8:4, Deuteronomy 6:4, Jeremiah 10:10-11, Psalm 96:5, Galatians 4:8, Isaiah 44:6 and John 17:3. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In exploring religious texts, one might wonder about the apparent contradictions related to the existence and worship of deities beyond the God of Israel. A key verse, Deuteronomy 32:17, reveals a time when people sacrificed to new, unfamiliar gods, diverging from the practices of their ancestors. This act of worshipping other entities seems to contrast sharply with several well-established biblical teachings.
Consider Exodus 20:3, which commands followers not to have other gods before the one true God. This sets a foundational rule that seems to directly oppose the behavior mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:17. Similarly, Isaiah 45:5 firmly states that there is no god besides the Lord, challenging the idea of multiple or novel deities.
The New Testament offers insights as well. In 1 Corinthians 8:4, Paul mentions that idols, which might represent these 'new gods,' hold no real significance in the world. This sentiment echoes Deuteronomy 6:4, where believers are reminded that the Lord is uniquely one, intensifying the contradiction of worshipping multiple gods as seen in Deuteronomy 32:17.
Jeremiah 10:10-11 and Psalm 96:5 further emphasize the falsehood of these 'new gods' by declaring that the Lord alone is the true God, a sentiment resonating with Isaiah 44:6 and John 17:3, reinforcing monotheism. In Galatians 4:8, Paul notes that before knowing God, people served beings that were not gods—highlighting the errancy of the actions in Deuteronomy 32:17.
These contradictions are akin to a child repeatedly told by their parents that there's only one Santa Claus, yet insisting on writing letters to many. The central message? The unwavering emphasis throughout the scriptures is on monotheism, urging believers to maintain steadfast faith in the God who is singular and supreme, which raises questions about the understanding and implications of Deuteronomy 32:17.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 32:17 | They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. [not to...: or, which were not God] |
| 2. | Exodus 20:3 | Thou shalt have no other gods before me. |
| 3. | Isaiah 45:5 | I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: |
| 4. | 1 Corinthians 8:4 | As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one. |
| 5. | Deuteronomy 6:4 | Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD: |
| 6. | Jeremiah 10:10-11 | But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. [true...: Heb. God of truth] [living God: Heb. living Gods] [everlasting...: Heb. king of eternity] |
| 7. | Psalm 96:5 | For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens. |
| 8. | Galatians 4:8 | Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. |
| 9. | Isaiah 44:6 | Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God. |
| 10. | John 17:3 | And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. |