Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse commands against making any graven image, which contrasts with Exodus 32:4, where an idol is fashioned.
Exodus 20:4: 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 Deuteronomy 5:8
Similar to Exodus 20:4, it again prohibits the creation of images, going against the making of the golden calf in Exodus 32:4.
Deuteronomy 5:8: Thou shalt not make 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 waters beneath the earth:
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
States that God does not share His glory with idols, which conflicts with the event in Exodus 32:4 where an idol is presented as a god.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:4
Warns against turning to idols, which is exactly what occurs in Exodus 32:4.
Leviticus 19:4: Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I [am] the LORD your God.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:14
Advises to flee from idolatry, contrasting Israelites' actions in Exodus 32:4.
1 Corinthians 10:14: Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
Describes the making of idols as futile, contradicting the significance given to the idol in Exodus 32:4.
Isaiah 44:9-10: 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 Exodus 23:13
Cautions against mentioning the names of other gods, opposing the proclamation of the golden calf as a god in Exodus 32:4.
Exodus 23:13: And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:14-15
Declares that idols are false and without breath, contradicting the attribution of divine qualities to the calf in Exodus 32:4.
Jeremiah 10:14-15: Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them. [brutish in his knowledge: or, more brutish than to know]
Contradiction with Psalm 106:19-20
Condemns the Israelites for making the calf, highlighting the event as a departure from God's glory described in Exodus 32:4.
Psalm 106:19-20: They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction with the verse in question involves the prohibition against idolatry, which is one of the Ten Commandments given to the Israelites. In the verse, the act of fashioning and worshipping a golden calf contradicts the commandment of worshipping only God and not creating idols. This inconsistency between the people's actions and God's commandments presents a significant conflict in the narrative.
Paradox #2
The doctrinal conflict in this verse is that the creation of the golden calf contradicts the commandment against idolatry given earlier in the Bible. While the people make a physical idol to worship, the commandments explicitly instruct them not to make or worship idols, emphasizing devotion to the one true God. This creates a clear inconsistency between actions and the commandments.
Paradox #3
Exodus 32:4 describes the creation of a golden calf by the Israelites as an idol to worship. The contradiction or conflict here lies in the fact that, earlier in the Bible, God forbids the making and worshiping of idols (such as in the Ten Commandments). This event shows the Israelites' disobedience to God's command soon after receiving it, reflecting inconsistency in their actions versus the teachings they received.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in Exodus 32:4 is the idea of a statue or idol having divine power or influence. Scientific understanding does not support inanimate objects possessing supernatural abilities or being worthy of worship. This opposes the idea of physical objects having inherent divine qualities, which lacks empirical evidence.
Paradox #5
Exodus 32:4 involves the creation of a golden calf, which presents a contradiction or conflict with the biblical commandment against idolatry. While the people create a physical representation to worship, this act goes against the monotheistic worship of God that is emphasized in the Ten Commandments. Thus, it highlights the inconsistency of worshipping an idol while professing allegiance to a faith that forbids such practices.