Contradiction with Exodus 25:18-20
These verses describe God commanding the making of cherubim images for the Ark of the Covenant, which contrasts with Deuteronomy 4:17's prohibition on making graven images of any likeness.
Exodus 25:18-20: 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 6:23-28
These verses detail Solomon's construction of the temple, including the making of large cherubim statues, which goes against the prohibition of creating any form of image in Deuteronomy 4:17.
1 Kings 6:23-28: 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
God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent for the Israelites to look upon for healing, which contradicts the command against making images in Deuteronomy 4:17.
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 Exodus 31:1-5
God appoints Bezalel and fills him with the spirit of God to craft items for the tabernacle, encouraging the creation of skilled artwork, seemingly opposed to the directive in Deuteronomy 4:17.
Exodus 31:1-5: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Contradiction with Exodus 26:1
Instructions are given for making tabernacle curtains with cherubim designs, which involves creating images, contrary to Deuteronomy 4:17’s admonition against such representations.
Exodus 26:1: Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. [of cunning...: Heb. the work of a cunning workman, or, embroiderer]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency related to that verse may arise from the prohibition against making images of animals or birds for worship, which contrasts with archaeological evidence showing that such practices were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including among some Israelites. This suggests a conflict between the biblical law and actual historical practices.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict in this verse could be about the prohibition of making images and how this contrasts with cultural practices that include art and representation. Some people might find it inconsistent because different traditions and interpretations of faith include religious art and symbols, while the verse suggests avoiding these.