Contradiction with Exodus 20:24
This verse allows for any animal that "cometh unto" the altar that is flawed for offerings, contrary to Deuteronomy 17:1, which prohibits offerings of blemished animals.
Exodus 20:24: An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
Contradiction with Leviticus 22:22
This verse stipulates that animals with certain blemishes cannot be offered, yet it provides a detailed list unlike the blanket statement in Deuteronomy 17:1.
Leviticus 22:22: Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.
Contradiction with Amos 5:22
God expresses disdain for Israel’s sacrifices and offerings regardless of their perfection, contradicting the focus on unblemished offerings in Deuteronomy 17:1.
Amos 5:22: Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. [peace...: or, thank offerings]
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
God questions the necessity of sacrifices, emphasizing obedience over perfect offerings, contrary to the strict requirement of Deuteronomy 17:1.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Paradox #1
The verse could be seen as conflicting with the idea that God values the heart and intentions over external offerings or sacrifices. While this verse emphasizes the physical perfection of offerings, other parts of the Bible focus more on faith and internal righteousness. This could create tension between the importance of physical offerings and the inner spiritual state.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 17:1 talks about offering only unblemished sacrifices. A possible contradiction or inconsistency could arise when comparing this with the New Testament, where Jesus' sacrifice is seen as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, thus changing the focus from physical offerings to spiritual faith. Some might see a conflict between the Old Testament emphasis on specific rituals and the New Testament teaching on faith and grace.
Paradox #3
One potential contradiction in Deuteronomy 17:1 could be the emphasis on offering perfect sacrifices to God, which might conflict with the belief in the inherent value and worth of all creations, even those with defects. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea that all life, regardless of its imperfections, is valuable and should be treated with respect.