Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
Genesis 35:2 instructs removing foreign gods, while Exodus 20:3 establishes a commandment against having any gods before the Lord, implying no allowance for foreign gods in the first place.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Judges 10:13-14
In Judges, God refuses liberation when Israel worships other gods, contradicting the call in Genesis 35:2 to put away foreign gods after having them.
Judges 10:13-14: Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 11:4
Solomon's divided heart due to foreign gods contradicts Genesis 35:2's call for single-hearted dedication to God.
1 Kings 11:4: For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 2:11
This verse questions any nation exchanging its gods, contrasting with Genesis 35:2 where Jacob's household is removing foreign gods they had with them.
Jeremiah 2:11: Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.
Contradiction with Hosea 4:17
Ephraim is joined to idols without corrective action, contrasting Genesis 35:2 where idols are supposed to be removed.
Hosea 4:17: Ephraim [is] joined to idols: let him alone.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
Warns against following other gods at any time, whereas Genesis 35:2 addresses a later action to put away foreign gods that already exist.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Joshua 24:23
This verse similarly calls to put away foreign gods, which suggests that having them contradicts earlier commands to follow only God.
Joshua 24:23: Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.
Paradox #1
Genesis 35:2 involves Jacob telling his household to get rid of foreign gods. A potential contradiction could arise when considering verses in the Bible that emphasize monotheism and the rejection of idolatry. The inconsistency might be the presence of foreign gods among Jacob's household despite earlier commandments to worship only one God. Some might wonder why such foreign gods were present to begin with, as it seems inconsistent with earlier teachings about exclusive worship and faithfulness to God.
Paradox #2
Genesis 35:2 might show a contradiction if compared with earlier parts of Genesis, where Jacob's household kept other gods or idols despite believing in the one true God. The inconsistency is in allowing idol worship while being part of God's covenant family.
Paradox #3
Genesis 35:2 involves Jacob telling his family to get rid of foreign gods and purify themselves. The contradiction or conflict could be seen in how the Bible often portrays God as the one true god, while acknowledging that people had other gods seems inconsistent with the monotheistic message. It also raises questions about religious tolerance and the acceptance of different beliefs. Additionally, the emphasis on purification could be seen as conflicting with the New Testament message of faith being more important than rituals.