Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
Isaiah speaks of God not delighting in burnt offerings and sacrifices, whereas Ezekiel 23:39 describes offerings being made to idols after child sacrifice, implying actions done to please.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:22
In Jeremiah, God declares He did not command offerings and burnt sacrifices when He brought Israelites out of Egypt, contradicting the practice described in Ezekiel 23:39.
Jeremiah 7:22: For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: [concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of]
Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8
Micah advocates for justice and humility, not empty sacrifices, which contradicts the idolatrous sacrifices described in Ezekiel 23:39.
Micah 6:6-8: Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [of a...: Heb. sons of a year?]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Hosea emphasizes desire for mercy rather than sacrifice, conflicting with the sacrificial actions in Ezekiel 23:39.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:4
Hebrews states it's impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins, contradicting the implication of sacrificial efficacy in Ezekiel 23:39.
Hebrews 10:4: For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22
Samuel emphasizes obedience over sacrifice, while Ezekiel 23:39 highlights sinful sacrifices.
1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.
Contradiction with Psalm 51:16-17
The psalmist declares God doesn’t delight in sacrifices but in a contrite heart, contrasting with the idolatrous sacrifices in Ezekiel 23:39.
Psalm 51:16-17: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. [else...: or, that I should]
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Jesus quotes that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, opposing the idolatrous sacrificial acts in Ezekiel 23:39.
Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-22
God expresses hatred for feasts and assemblies, indicating displeasure with sacrifices as depicted in Ezekiel 23:39.
Amos 5:21-22: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Contradiction with Isaiah 66:3
Isaiah equates certain sacrifices with murder, conflicting with the act of sacrificing after child sacrifices in Ezekiel 23:39.
Isaiah 66:3: He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. [lamb: or, kid] [burneth: Heb. maketh a memorial of]
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 23:39 describes people worshiping other gods and then immediately going to the temple of the true God, which shows a contradiction between their religious practices and their faithfulness to God. This reflects inconsistency because they are trying to serve two masters, which goes against the biblical teaching of devotion to one God.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict could be related to the practice of worshiping other gods alongside the rituals intended for God, which contradicts the biblical teaching of worshiping only one God. This verse might highlight the inconsistency of participating in idolatrous practices while also trying to maintain a relationship with God, which is against the core teachings of monotheism in the Bible.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the actions of worshiping idols and then immediately participating in practices that are meant to honor God. This creates a conflict because it shows a lack of sincerity and commitment to one's faith, as the actions of idol worship directly oppose the principles of worshiping one true God.