Contradiction with Exodus 32:20
This verse notes that Moses made the Israelites drink the water with the gold dust, which is not mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:21.
Exodus 32:20: And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt [it] in the fire, and ground [it] to powder, and strawed [it] upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink [of it].
Contradiction with Leviticus 26:30
It speaks of destroying high places and burning the idols, but doesn't mention actions similar to Deuteronomy 9:21 where the idol (golden calf) is turned to powder.
Leviticus 26:30: And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:28
Jeroboam sets up golden calves for worship, contrasting with Deuteronomy 9:21 where the calf is destroyed.
1 Kings 12:28: Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 10:26-27
Describes the destruction of Baal's house, yet not the grinding into powder of idols as in Deuteronomy 9:21.
2 Kings 10:26-27: And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them. [images: Heb. statues]
Contradiction with Isaiah 46:6-7
Talks about making an idol that can't move or respond, emphasizing their impotence unlike Deuteronomy 9:21 where active destruction occurs.
Isaiah 46:6-7: They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, [and] hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
Contradiction with Acts 7:41
Mentions the making and worship of the golden calf but omits the destruction described in Deuteronomy 9:21.
Acts 7:41: And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
Contradiction with Hosea 8:5-6
Discusses calf worship and destruction but mentions them being broken, not ground into powder like in Deuteronomy 9:21.
Hosea 8:5-6: Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast [thee] off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long [will it be] ere they attain to innocency?
Contradiction with Revelation 9:20
Talks about people not repenting from idol worship, which contrasts with the destruction act in Deuteronomy 9:21 suggesting repentance.
Revelation 9:20: And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 9:21 describes the destruction of the golden calf made by the Israelites. A perceived contradiction could be with Exodus 32:20, where the method of destruction seems different. The inconsistency might be about the specific process or details used in destroying the idol in each account.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 9:21 describes destroying a golden calf idol. Some see a contradiction because the Israelites in Exodus 32:20 drink the powdered idol, but this isn’t mentioned here. Others see tension between idol destruction and God’s forgiveness since elsewhere God is often patient and forgiving with idol worship. However, many believe these accounts are complementary rather than contradictory.
Paradox #3
The contradiction arises from differences in the accounts of how certain events were carried out. In Deuteronomy 9:21, it describes Moses destroying the golden calf by burning it, crushing it, and then throwing the dust into a stream. However, in Exodus 32:20, there is a similar description, but it adds that Moses made the people drink the water mixed with the dust of the calf. The inconsistency lies in the details of the event's aftermath.
Paradox #4
One potential scientific inconsistency with the verse in question could involve the actions described that are outside the understanding of scientific principles, such as burning an object to ash and then scattering it into a stream. From a scientific perspective, burning certain objects to fine ash might not always be feasible or would require specific conditions, and the idea of scattering physical remnants in water may not align with practices that have observable effects as stated. However, these actions can be symbolic or allegorical rather than literal.
Paradox #5
In Deuteronomy 9:21, the actions described might seem to conflict with the general biblical themes of mercy, forgiveness, and redemption. The act of destroying and punishing can appear harsh, contrasting with messages elsewhere in the Bible that focus on love and compassion. This could create a tension between justice and mercy.