Can We Really Serve Just One God? Exploring Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 35:2 contradicts Exodus 20:3, Judges 10:13-14, 1 Kings 11:4, Jeremiah 2:11, Hosea 4:17, Deuteronomy 6:14 and Joshua 24:23. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents vivid accounts of faith, devotion, and worship, yet some verses appear to express differing messages about the worship of other gods. Consider Genesis 35:2, where Jacob instructs his family to rid themselves of foreign gods, symbolizing a fresh commitment to the one true God. This act of cleansing and rededication seems to allow for a period of dual worship before choosing exclusive devotion.
However, contrast this with Exodus 20:3, which serves as an unyielding commandment stating that no other gods should ever take precedence before the Lord. It suggests that foreign gods should never have been part of their lives to begin with. This speaks to an immediate and constant allegiance to God, leaving no room for prior allegiances to other deities.
Other scriptures add layers to this dialogue. Judges 10:13-14 describes God refusing to deliver Israel when they worship multiple gods, emphasizing the consequences of divided devotion. Here, no redemption seems possible until full loyalty is granted. Similarly, 1 Kings 11:4 recounts Solomon's heart being led astray by foreign gods, demonstrating the dangers of compromising divine loyalty.
Jeremiah 2:11 questions any nation that would swap its gods, offering a stark contrast to Genesis 35:2, where Jacob's household discards foreign deities. Hosea 4:17 mentions Ephraim's continued association with idols without rectification, diverging from Jacob’s call for removal. Deuteronomy 6:14 and Joshua 24:23 repeatedly warn against worshipping other gods, insisting on unwavering loyalty from the start.
These scriptural nuances pose intriguing questions about devotion and the human tendency to stray. Like choosing between pursuing a singular path or exploring many, these verses challenge readers to ponder the complexities of faith and obedience. Are these differences intentional to depict human fallibility, or do they highlight evolving understandings of divine expectations?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 35:2 | Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments: |
| 2. | Exodus 20:3 | Thou shalt have no other gods before me. |
| 3. | Judges 10:13-14 | Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. |
| 4. | 1 Kings 11:4 | For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father. |
| 5. | Jeremiah 2:11 | Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit. |
| 6. | Hosea 4:17 | Ephraim [is] joined to idols: let him alone. |
| 7. | Deuteronomy 6:14 | Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you; |
| 8. | Joshua 24:23 | Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel. |