Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:5
Contrary to Jeremiah 16:20's implication that man-made gods are powerless and cannot make themselves, Jeremiah 10:5 describes idols as upright like a palm tree, yet emphasizes their helplessness and need for support, presenting an inconsistent portrayal.
Jeremiah 10:5: They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.
Paradox #1
The verse in question suggests that people can create their own gods, which are not real gods. This could seem contradictory to the doctrine that teaches there is only one true God who cannot be created by human hands. This inconsistency arises from the understanding that only the true God is the creator, and anything else made by humans does not count as a real deity.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 16:20 raises the idea of people creating their own gods, which challenges the belief in one true God. The potential contradiction is the conflict between human-made beliefs and the divine truth, suggesting inconsistency in following a singular divine authority while also creating and worshiping other gods.