Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:5
This verse emphasizes seeking a specific place chosen by God for worship, contradicting the high places mentioned in Ezekiel 20:29.
Deuteronomy 12:5: But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:
Contradiction with 1 Kings 3:2
This verse acknowledges that people sacrificed in high places because there was no house built for the name of the Lord, differing from the critical view in Ezekiel 20:29.
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 18:4
This verse describes the destruction of high places by Hezekiah as a righteous act, whereas Ezekiel 20:29 reflects a critical perspective on their use.
2 Kings 18:4: He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. [images: Heb. statues] [Nehushtan: that is, A piece of brass]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:31
This verse condemns the building of high places for sacrifices, aligning with the criticism in Ezekiel 20:29 but focusing on specific acts, demonstrating complexity in the biblical stance.
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 Amos 7:9
This verse prophesies the destruction of the high places of Isaac, contradicting the acceptance implied by some practices mentioned in Ezekiel 20:29.
Amos 7:9: And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 20:29 might seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible where God establishes specific worship places for the Israelites, like the temple in Jerusalem. In this verse, God questions the use of "high places," which were locations often associated with idolatry. This could seem inconsistent with the concept of a single, centralized place for worship, as prescribed in other parts of the scriptures, like Deuteronomy.
Paradox #2
One potential contradiction or inconsistency with Ezekiel 20:29 could involve the unclear reference to a place called "Bamah" by the Israelites. Some scholars suggest there might be confusion or uncertainty about the historical or geographical significance of this place name, as it does not appear prominently elsewhere in historical records or biblical texts. This can lead to differing interpretations about its meaning and historical context.