Contradiction with Exodus 20:4-6
These verses instruct not to make graven images, yet emphasize God's mercy to those who love Him, contrasting the directive in Deuteronomy to destroy graven images completely without mention of mercy.
Exodus 20:4-6: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Numbers 21:8-9
Here, God directs Moses to make a bronze serpent idol to heal the Israelites, which contradicts the prohibition against graven images in Deuteronomy 7:25.
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 1 Kings 6:23-28
Solomon constructs cherubim figures in the temple, which contradicts the command to burn graven images as described in Deuteronomy 7:25.
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 Ezekiel 41:17-18
Describes cherubim and palm trees carved in the temple, contrasting with the directive to destroy graven images in Deuteronomy 7:25.
Ezekiel 41:17-18: To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure. [measure: Heb. measures]
Contradiction with Genesis 31:34-35
Rachel hides Laban’s household gods, indicating a practice of keeping idols, which contradicts the command to destroy all graven images in Deuteronomy 7:25.
Genesis 31:34-35: Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found [them] not. [searched: Heb. felt]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 7:25 talks about destroying idols and avoiding the gold and silver on them. A potential contradiction arises with passages where wealth or valuables are permitted or even given as blessings from God. This could create tension between the prohibition against keeping these materials from idols and the acceptance of wealth in other contexts.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 7:25 might conflict with the idea of respecting others' religious beliefs and practices, as it advises destruction of items related to other religions. This could seem inconsistent with teachings that emphasize love and tolerance for others, such as loving your neighbor.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 7:25 might seem contradictory because it talks about burning idols and not keeping the silver or gold from them, which could be seen as conflicting with instances where Israelites took plunder from conquered peoples in other parts of the Bible. The tension lies in the prohibition of keeping materials from idols despite allowing plunder elsewhere.
Paradox #4
Deuteronomy 7:25 talks about the destruction of idols and not taking their valuable materials. A possible scientific inconsistency might arise from the notion that materials like gold and silver have inherent value and can be repurposed without any mystical implications. Science views materials based on their physical properties and utility, while the verse suggests avoiding these materials altogether due to their previous religious associations.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse could be the tension between the directive to destroy certain religious items and the broader biblical teachings about love, respect, and tolerance for others. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of respecting other cultures and their beliefs.