Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
This verse contradicts Ezekiel 20:39 as it emphasizes that one cannot serve two masters, whereas Ezekiel 20:39 implies allowing Israel to serve idols.
Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This commandment forbids having other gods, contradicting the allowance of idol worship suggested in Ezekiel 20:39.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Joshua 24:14
This verse urges the serving of the Lord exclusively and rejecting other gods, contrasting with Ezekiel 20:39's tolerance of idol worship.
Joshua 24:14: Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:21
The call to choose whom to serve between God or Baal contrasts with the permission in Ezekiel 20:39 to worship any gods.
1 Kings 18:21: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. [opinions: or, thoughts]
Contradiction with James 4:4
This verse condemns friendship with the world as enmity against God, contradicting the idea of worshipping idols permitted in Ezekiel 20:39.
James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Ezekiel 20:39 could arise when considering the directive for the people to continue their idol worship, which seems inconsistent with the broader biblical message that opposes idolatry. This might be interpreted as God allowing or even commanding something He condemns elsewhere, creating tension in understanding His intentions.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 20:39 might present a historical inconsistency or contradiction in how it depicts the behavior of the Israelites towards idolatry and worship in comparison to other parts of the Bible. In some passages, the Israelites are portrayed as wholeheartedly turning back to God, while this verse can suggest ongoing rebellion and idol worship. Such differences might seem inconsistent when looking at the broader narrative of the Israelites' faithfulness and relationship with God.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 20:39 talks about God allowing the people to worship idols if they choose to, but it also emphasizes eventually returning to worshiping Him properly. The contradiction here can be seen in the allowance of idol worship despite it being against God's laws, which can be seen as inconsistent with the earlier commandments against idolatry.