Contradiction with Exodus 32:1
This verse describes the Israelites making the golden calf, contradicting Moses' question in Exodus 32:21 about why Aaron allowed such a sin.
Exodus 32:1: And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Contradiction with Exodus 32:4
Aaron himself made the golden calf, contradicting any implication that he was opposed to it in Exodus 32:21.
Exodus 32:4: And he received [them] at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Contradiction with Exodus 32:24
Aaron shifts blame to the people for the golden calf, contradicting Moses' intent to hold him accountable in Exodus 32:21.
Exodus 32:24: And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break [it] off. So they gave [it] me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
Contradiction with Exodus 32:35
The LORD plagued the people for the calf, contradicting Exodus 32:21's emphasis on Aaron's role.
Exodus 32:35: And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 9:20
God was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, showing a more severe consequence for Aaron than suggested by Moses' question in Exodus 32:21.
Deuteronomy 9:20: And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time.
Paradox #1
Exodus 32:21 involves Moses confronting Aaron about the making of the golden calf idol. A potential contradiction or inconsistency could be the differing accounts of who initiated or was responsible for the making of the idol. In some interpretations, Aaron seems to take full responsibility, while in others, he suggests that the people pressured him into doing it. This can lead to confusion over whether Aaron was a willing participant or reluctantly coerced.
Paradox #2
Exodus 32:21 could present a contradiction or inconsistency because it deals with accountability and leadership responsibility. Moses questions Aaron about leading the people into wrongdoing, suggesting a tension between following a leader and personal responsibility. This can conflict with views on individual accountability versus influence from authority figures.