Contradiction with Matthew 2:1-2
This verse describes the wise men from the east who are considered astrologers, coming to worship Jesus, which contradicts the prohibition of omen interpretation or soothsaying.
Matthew 2:1-2: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 28:7
This verse details how Saul sought a woman with a familiar spirit, contradicting the prohibition against seeking guidance from the dead.
1 Samuel 28:7: Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
Contradiction with Genesis 41:15-16
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, which might contradict the prohibition against divination when interpreted as such, though Joseph attributes the interpretation to God.
Genesis 41:15-16: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and [there is] none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, [that] thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. [thou...: or, when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it]
Contradiction with Acts 16:16
The young woman possessed with a spirit of divination is used for fortune-telling, which contradicts the prohibitions of those practices.
Acts 16:16: And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: [of divination: or, of Python]
Contradiction with Daniel 2:27-28
Daniel interprets dreams and reveals secrets, although he attributes his ability to God, it could contradict the prohibition against consulting soothsayers or magicians.
Daniel 2:27-28: Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise [men], the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;
Contradiction with Numbers 12:6
God indicates that He may communicate through visions or dreams, which might contradict the prohibition against certain forms of seeking supernatural knowledge.
Numbers 12:6: And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction or inconsistency with this verse might relate to the broader context of how certain practices are viewed differently across various parts of the Bible. For example, some practices that are condemned in Deuteronomy might appear in other parts of the Bible without criticism, leading to debates over interpretation and cultural context. Different Christian traditions may also interpret the implications of such verses in diverse ways, resulting in varying understandings of their application today.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 18:11 warns against certain practices and could seem to contradict or conflict with instances where similar activities are described elsewhere in the Bible without explicit condemnation, such as King Saul consulting a medium in 1 Samuel 28. This might appear inconsistent as the practice is forbidden in Deuteronomy, yet still occurs in the biblical narrative.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 18:11 talks about prohibiting certain practices like contacting the dead. This can be seen as a contradiction or inconsistency because in different parts of the Bible, such as in the story of King Saul and the witch of Endor, contact with the spirit world is depicted. This creates a conflict between the laws against such practices and the narratives where they occur.
Paradox #4
This verse forbids practices related to communicating with the dead and magic. A potential contradiction might arise if someone believes in freedom of religious expression. They might see this as conflicting with the idea that people should be allowed to explore different spiritual practices. Additionally, some people might view seeking guidance from various sources as a personal right, which this verse restricts.