Contradiction with Isaiah 8:19
This verse advises against seeking guidance from familiar spirits and wizards, similar to Deuteronomy 18:14, which prohibits such practices, but suggests instead consulting God, thereby emphasizing reliance on Him rather than occult practices.
Isaiah 8:19: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 28:7
This verse contradicts Deuteronomy 18:14 by depicting Saul seeking out a woman with a familiar spirit for guidance, directly engaging in the practices condemned in Deuteronomy.
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 Leviticus 19:31
Though this verse and Deuteronomy 18:14 both prohibit consulting with familiar spirits, Leviticus 19:31 emphasizes the resulting defilement, highlighting the spiritual danger involved, unlike Deuteronomy's focus on foreign practices.
Leviticus 19:31: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.
Contradiction with Acts 16:16
This verse tells of a girl with a spirit of divination who earns money by soothsaying, depicting a real-world example of the practices Deuteronomy 18:14 warns against, suggesting a recognition of the power within such practices despite the prohibition.
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 2 Kings 21:6
King Manasseh engages in witchcraft and divination, which contrasts with Deuteronomy 18:14 by showing those actions as reasons for divine judgment, whereas Deuteronomy instructs to avoid them as foreign practices.
2 Kings 21:6: And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:19-21
While outlining works of the flesh including witchcraft, this passage offers the consequence of not inheriting God’s kingdom, presenting a more moralistic emphasis rather than viewing it as a foreign influence as Deuteronomy 18:14 does.
Galatians 5:19-21: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Contradiction with Revelation 22:15
This verse contrasts with Deuteronomy 18:14 by placing sorcerers outside the New Jerusalem, emphasizing final separation rather than distinguishing foreign customs.
Revelation 22:15: For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 18:14 advises against following practices like divination or seeking omens, emphasizing reliance on guidance from God instead. The contradiction might arise if one considers other parts of the Bible where leaders or prophets use signs or visions as divine communication. This could seem inconsistent if those actions are perceived similarly to the practices being condemned.