Contradiction with Exodus 25:18
Exodus 25:18 instructs the making of two cherubim of gold, which contradicts Exodus 20:4's prohibition against making graven images.
Exodus 25:18: 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 Numbers 21:8
Numbers 21:8 describes God instructing Moses to make a bronze serpent, which involves creating an image, conflicting with the command in Exodus 20:4.
Numbers 21:8: 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
1 Kings 6:23 describes the construction of cherubim in the inner sanctuary, which involves making images as prohibited in Exodus 20:4.
1 Kings 6:23: And within the oracle he made two cherubims [of] olive tree, [each] ten cubits high. [olive: or, oily: Heb. trees of oil]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 7:29
1 Kings 7:29 details the ornate designs and images of lions, oxen, and cherubim made for the temple, which contrasts with the instruction in Exodus 20:4 against creating graven images.
1 Kings 7:29: And on the borders that [were] between the ledges [were] lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges [there was] a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen [were] certain additions made of thin work.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 41:18
Ezekiel 41:18 depicts images of cherubim and palm trees carved on the temple walls, contradicting the prohibition in Exodus 20:4 against creating carved images.
Ezekiel 41:18: And [it was] made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree [was] between a cherub and a cherub; and [every] cherub had two faces;
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction between this verse and other parts of the Bible where God commands or allows the making of specific images or artistic designs, like the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant or the bronze serpent. The confusion arises because one part seems to prohibit making images, while another part seems to permit it for certain purposes.
Paradox #2
The contradiction with Exodus 20:4 is that while the verse prohibits making and worshiping carved images or idols, archaeological findings have shown that ancient Israelites sometimes engaged in idol worship, as evidenced by idol artifacts discovered from that time period. This suggests a discrepancy between the directive and some of the actual practices of the people.
Paradox #3
The verse cautions against creating images or idols for worship, which might conflict with the scientific understanding of art and representation as valuable cultural and educational tools. In science, images and models are often used to convey complex ideas and foster understanding, so the restriction might seem at odds with using visual representations for learning and progress.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict might arise from the fact that, in some religious practices, people use images or statues as focal points for worship or reverence. This could seem inconsistent with the directive against creating or worshipping such images. The conflict is between the prohibition of images and the common practice in many religious traditions of using them as a way to connect with the divine.