Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:2
Hosea 4:13 condemns offering sacrifices under trees, while Deuteronomy 12:2 commands the destruction of such high places where similar practices occur, thus emphasizing prohibition rather than tolerance.
Deuteronomy 12:2: Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: [possess: or, inherit]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 14:23
While Hosea 4:13 criticizes sacrifices under trees, 1 Kings 14:23 notes that such practices were common, highlighting acceptance versus condemnation.
1 Kings 14:23: For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. [images: or, standing images, or, statues]
Contradiction with Isaiah 57:5
Hosea 4:13 disapproves of sacrifice under green trees, yet Isaiah 57:5 lists it as part of the practices of the people, indicating a disconnect with the commanded observance.
Isaiah 57:5: Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? [with...: or, among the oaks]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 3:6
Hosea 4:13 depicts sacrifices under trees in judgment, whereas Jeremiah 3:6 reports it as evidence of Judah's sin without immediate retribution.
Jeremiah 3:6: The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen [that] which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.
Paradox #1
Hosea 4:13 could be seen as inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that explicitly condemn idol worship and immorality but don't specifically connect them to certain locations like hilltops and under trees, which are mentioned in this verse. Some readers might feel that it indicates a contradiction about where sinful actions occur rather than focusing solely on the actions themselves. However, this is more about interpretive emphasis rather than a clear contradiction.
Paradox #2
Hosea 4:13 discusses the people's practice of offering sacrifices in high places, which is seen as unfaithful to God since they are engaging in idolatrous worship. The contradiction or inconsistency here could be that these actions are in direct conflict with the commandments against idol worship, highlighting the tension between following cultural or societal practices versus adhering strictly to religious commandments. This illustrates the struggle between societal norms and religious fidelity.