Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:21
Encourages choosing a clear side, either the Lord or Baal, contrasting with the idolatry lamented in Ezekiel 8:14.
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 Exodus 20:3
Commandment against having other gods, contradicting the idolatrous worship in Ezekiel 8:14.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
Describes idol makers as nothing, opposing the idol worship in Ezekiel 8:14.
Isaiah 44:9-10: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
Warns against following other gods, contrary to the idolatry described in Ezekiel 8:14.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Jeremiah 2:13
Criticizes forsaking God for idols, opposing the actions in Ezekiel 8:14.
Jeremiah 2:13: For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Contradiction with Psalm 135:15-18
Describes idols as lifeless, contrasting with the worship of idols seen in Ezekiel 8:14.
Psalm 135:15-18: The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:12
States serving idols angers the Lord, contrary to the depiction in Ezekiel 8:14.
2 Kings 17:12: For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
Contradiction with Hosea 13:2
Criticizes making idols, opposing the idol worship in Ezekiel 8:14.
Hosea 13:2: And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves. [they sin...: Heb. they add to sin] [the men...: or, the sacrificers of men]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
States you cannot serve two masters, contrasting with the divided worship seen in Ezekiel 8:14.
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 1 Corinthians 10:14
Commands to flee from idolatry, opposite of the actions in Ezekiel 8:14.
1 Corinthians 10:14: Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 8:14 mentions a group of women weeping for Tammuz, which is related to ancient pagan practices. The contradiction could be seen as the conflict between Yahweh worship, central to the Bible, and the incorporation or influence of pagan rituals and deities, like Tammuz, which are generally condemned in biblical teaching. This reflects a recurring theme in the Old Testament of Israel straying from exclusive worship of Yahweh.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency with Ezekiel 8:14 might involve the mention of Tammuz, a Babylonian deity. Some scholars find it conflicting because it suggests that the Israelites were adopting foreign religious practices, which is inconsistent with the idea of them solely worshiping their own God. This indicates a blending of cultures that some historical narratives of the Bible might not fully acknowledge.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Ezekiel 8:14 could be seen in the context of religious devotion and idol worship. The verse highlights the practice of mourning for the god Tammuz, which contradicts the worship of the one true God as prescribed in the Hebrew faith. This creates a conflict between the religious practices of the people and the teachings that demand exclusive worship and loyalty to their God.