Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands the worship of only one God, contradicting the practice of serving other gods mentioned in Deuteronomy 17:3.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
This verse warns against following other gods, conflicting with the act described in Deuteronomy 17:3.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:6
Instructs not to go after other gods, highlighting the contradiction with serving other gods in Deuteronomy 17:3.
Jeremiah 25:6: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
Contradiction with Joshua 24:15
Urges the choice of serving the Lord, contrasting with serving other gods as mentioned in Deuteronomy 17:3.
Joshua 24:15: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:21
Challenges the people to follow the Lord instead of other gods, which contradicts the action in Deuteronomy 17:3.
1 Kings 18:21: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. [opinions: or, thoughts]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 17:3 could be seen as potentially conflicting with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's omniscience and mercy. While this verse focuses on strict punishment for certain actions, other passages highlight God's forgiveness and understanding. This might seem inconsistent to some readers who try to reconcile justice with mercy.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 17:3 might raise questions of consistency because it warns against worshiping other gods like the sun, moon, or stars. Yet, earlier cultural influences and archaeological findings suggest that some ancient Israelites practiced forms of astral worship similar to their neighbors, which could seem contradictory to this command.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 17:3 warns against worshiping other gods, an idea echoed throughout the Bible, which upholds worshiping only God. A possible moral conflict could arise when considering religious freedom. While the Bible promotes exclusive worship of God, modern values often emphasize the right to choose one's own beliefs. This can create tension between maintaining religious convictions and respecting others' freedom to worship differently.