Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse contradicts Hosea 13:2 as it explicitly commands not to make any graven images, whereas Hosea 13:2 describes the making of idols.
Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Exodus 20:5
This verse contradicts Hosea 13:2 by stating that God is a jealous God who punishes idol worship, while Hosea describes Israel's continued practice of idol-making.
Exodus 20:5: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:8-9
These verses contradict Hosea 13:2 by prohibiting the making and worshiping of idols, contrasting with the idolatry mentioned in Hosea.
Deuteronomy 5:8-9: Thou shalt not make thee [any] graven image, [or] any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters beneath the earth:
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
This verse contradicts Hosea 13:2 as it states God will not give His glory to idols, contrasting with the idol worship in Hosea.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:14-15
These verses contradict Hosea 13:2 by declaring idols as false and vain, contrasting with the making of idols described in Hosea.
Jeremiah 10:14-15: Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them. [brutish in his knowledge: or, more brutish than to know]
Paradox #1
Hosea 13:2 could present a contradiction if one considers the issue of idolatry compared to other biblical teachings that stress the worship of God alone. The contradiction arises when people create idols, despite numerous commands in the Bible against idol worship. This behavior conflicts with the fundamental teaching of monotheism and exclusive devotion to God.
Paradox #2
Hosea 13:2 involves the creation of idols, which contradicts the biblical teaching against idolatry found in the Ten Commandments, specifically in Exodus 20:3-5. This contrast arises because while the verse describes practices involving idols, the Commandments strictly prohibit worshiping any form of idol or image.
Paradox #3
Hosea 13:2 mentions people making idols and offering sacrifices to them, which contradicts the commandment to worship only one God. This reflects the tension in Israelite history between monotheism and the influence of neighboring cultures' polytheistic practices.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in Hosea 13:2 could be seen in the depiction of idol worship. The verse criticizes the people for creating and worshiping idols, yet some other biblical passages show instances where physical symbols are used for worship. This might seem inconsistent because while condemning idol-making, certain symbols like the Ark of the Covenant or cherubs in the temple are involved in worship practices. This could be seen as a conflict between opposing the creation of some physical objects for worship while accepting others.