Contradiction with Exodus 20:24
This verse commands building an altar in specific ways, conflicting with Ezekiel 20:28, which criticizes offerings on every high hill and under every green tree.
Exodus 20:24: An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:13-14
God's instructions to seek designated worship places contradicts with the behavior criticized in Ezekiel 20:28.
Deuteronomy 12:13-14: Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:
Contradiction with 1 Kings 3:2
This verse mentions sacrifices in high places due to there being no specific house of God, which Ezekiel 20:28 condemns.
1 Kings 3:2: Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 14:4
Although high places were not removed, sacrifices and offerings continued there, contrary to the intention of Ezekiel 20:28.
2 Kings 14:4: Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
Contradiction with Isaiah 57:5
The practices of sacrificing in high places are frowned upon similarly to Ezekiel 20:28's criticisms.
Isaiah 57:5: Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? [with...: or, among the oaks]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:31
This verse condemns making offerings in high places (Tophet), aligning with the criticisms in Ezekiel 20:28 but highlighting regressive behavior.
Jeremiah 7:31: And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart. [came...: Heb. came it upon my heart]
Contradiction with Hosea 4:13
They offer sacrifices upon mountains, correlating with the practices criticized in Ezekiel 20:28.
Hosea 4:13: They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof [is] good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 20:28 might be seen as inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that emphasize worshiping God alone and rejecting idolatry. The potential conflict is that it describes a scenario where people turn to idols, which contradicts other teachings against idol worship. This inconsistency highlights the recurring human struggle with idolatry in biblical narratives.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Ezekiel 20:28 could arise from the tension between following religious laws and acts of idol worship. The verse could highlight how people often fail to remain faithful to their beliefs and commandments, leading to inconsistency between their actions and their faith. This conflict between adherence to divine laws and practices that go against those laws could be viewed as a moral inconsistency.