Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse states "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image," which aligns with Deuteronomy 16:22 against creating certain structures, but the contradiction arises where Exodus implies no images at all, including supportive religious symbols, whereas Deuteronomy specifies pillars only.
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 Exodus 25:18
This verse instructs the making of cherubim for the mercy seat, contradicting Deuteronomy 16:22, which opposes erecting pillars, as it permits specific religious artifacts.
Exodus 25:18: And thou shalt make two cherubims [of] gold, [of] beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 6:23
This verse describes the construction of olive wood cherubim in the temple, contradicting the prohibition in Deuteronomy 16:22 by allowing certain religious structures within a sacred space.
1 Kings 6:23: And within the oracle he made two cherubims [of] olive tree, [each] ten cubits high. [olive: or, oily: Heb. trees of oil]
Contradiction with Numbers 21:8-9
This verse describes the creation of a bronze serpent by Moses, showing a contradiction with Deuteronomy 16:22’s stance against religious pillars, as it allows a constructed symbol for healing.
Numbers 21:8-9: And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
Contradiction with Genesis 28:18
Jacob sets up a stone pillar as a sacred monument, which contradicts the prohibition in Deuteronomy 16:22, where setting up a sacred pillar is not allowed.
Genesis 28:18: And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put [for] his pillows, and set it up [for] a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
Paradox #1
The verse warns against setting up a sacred pillar, which some might see as conflicting with earlier parts of the Bible where altars or pillars were used in worship by figures like Jacob. This could seem inconsistent since these practices were once accepted but later prohibited.
Paradox #2
The contradiction might arise from how different religious traditions interpret this directive in modern times, especially regarding the use of symbols or structures in worship that might resemble what the verse prohibits. In some Christian contexts, the presence of worship-related objects that resemble what was forbidden might seem inconsistent with this directive.