Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands the Israelites to have no other gods before God, contradicting Exodus 32:1 where the people demand Aaron to make them gods.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:23
This verse instructs against making gods of silver or gold, which contradicts with the people's request in Exodus 32:1 for gods to be made.
Exodus 20:23: Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
This verse warns against following other gods, contrary to the people's actions in Exodus 32:1 requesting the making of new gods.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:6
This verse tells not to go after other gods to serve and worship them, opposing the intent expressed by the people in Exodus 32:1.
Jeremiah 25:6: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9
This verse speaks of the futility of idol-making, contradicting the people’s demand in Exodus 32:1 for Aaron to make gods.
Isaiah 44:9: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]
Contradiction with Judges 10:13-14
These verses emphasize forsaking idols and not worshiping other gods, contrary to the scene in Exodus 32:1.
Judges 10:13-14: Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
Contradiction with Psalm 106:19-20
These verses recount the sin of making a calf at Horeb, contradicting the action encouraged in Exodus 32:1.
Psalm 106:19-20: They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
Paradox #1
A potential contradiction with Exodus 32:1 could be that the people demand a new god or idol when they feel abandoned, conflicting with the First Commandment which directs worship exclusively to one God. This shows a lack of faith in God’s presence and leadership despite previous divine acts and instructions given to them.
Paradox #2
Exodus 32:1 involves the Israelites asking for an idol because they were unsure about Moses' return from the mountain. A potential contradiction could be between their actions and the commandment against idolatry given earlier in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:4-5). This highlights a conflict between their impatience and fear, and the command to worship only God.
Paradox #3
One possible historical inconsistency related to this verse is the timeline of events surrounding the worship of the golden calf. Some scholars argue that the immediate turn to idolatry by the Israelites so soon after their exodus from Egypt seems abrupt, considering their recent experiences and the laws they received. Additionally, archaeological evidence regarding the presence and identity of the Hebrews in the Sinai region during this period is debated, leading to questions about the historical context of this event.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in Exodus 32:1 can be seen in the impatience and lack of faith displayed by the people. After receiving commandments and witnessing miracles, they quickly turn to creating a false idol when they feel abandoned. This shows a conflict between their professed beliefs and their actions, highlighting an inconsistency in maintaining faith and trust.