Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse states "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," contradicting Exodus 32:5 where Aaron builds an altar for the golden calf, which suggests the worship of another god.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
This verse commands, "Ye shall not go after other gods," contradicting Exodus 32:5 where a festival to the Lord is declared in the presence of an idol.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
This verse says, "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images," contradicting Exodus 32:5 which implies a festival for the calf.
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 Exodus 23:13
This instructs, "make no mention of the name of other gods," contradicting the celebration and altar made for the calf in Exodus 32:5.
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 Deuteronomy 4:24
States, "For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God," contrasting with the acceptance of idol worship implied in Exodus 32:5.
Deuteronomy 4:24: For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.
Paradox #1
Exodus 32:5 might present a contradiction because it describes Aaron proclaiming a festival to the Lord while the Israelites were worshipping a golden calf they had made. This could conflict with the commandment against idolatry and worshipping other gods, as it seems to blend idol worship with the worship of God, which is inconsistent with the strict monotheism and the commandments given earlier in Exodus.
Paradox #2
Exodus 32:5 might be seen as inconsistent with the commandment against idolatry. In this verse, Aaron builds an altar and declares a festival to the Lord in front of a golden calf, which contradicts the commandments given earlier against creating and worshipping idols. This presents a challenge in reconciling the actions of Aaron with the clear prohibitions set by God.
Paradox #3
Exodus 32:5 describes Aaron declaring a feast to the Lord after making a golden calf. The contradiction or conflict here arises from the fact that creating and worshiping idols is strictly prohibited in earlier commandments given by God. Aaron, being a religious leader, participating in this act seems inconsistent with the teachings and the Israelites’ covenant with God. This raises questions about the adherence to religious laws and the leadership conduct in the biblical narrative.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in Exodus 32:5 could be seen in the fact that Aaron, a leader of the Israelites and brother of Moses, participates in and even facilitates idol worship by creating a golden calf and then proclaiming a festival in its honor. This action directly contradicts the commandments against idolatry that are foundational in the same religious teachings. It highlights an inconsistency where a religious leader actively engages in the very behavior that is forbidden.