Contradiction with Jeremiah 5:31
This verse contradicts Jeremiah 2:8 as it states that prophets prophesy falsely, and priests bear rule by their means, while Jeremiah 2:8 suggests that priests and prophets should know and follow the Lord.
Jeremiah 5:31: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? [bear...: or, take into their hands]
Contradiction with Malachi 2:7-8
These verses assert that the priests' lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law from his mouth, which contrasts with the priests in Jeremiah 2:8 who did not know the Lord.
Malachi 2:7-8: For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 22:26
In this verse, priests are accused of violating the law and profaning holy things, opposing the ideal role of priests as stated in Jeremiah 2:8.
Ezekiel 22:26: Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. [violated: Heb. offered violence to]
Contradiction with Hosea 4:6
This verse states that people are destroyed for lack of knowledge and that priests reject knowledge, which is contrary to what is expected from priests and prophets in Jeremiah 2:8.
Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. [destroyed: Heb. cut off]
Contradiction with Zephaniah 3:4
It claims that prophets are treacherous and priests have polluted the sanctuary, which contradicts the notion that they should lead people to God in Jeremiah 2:8.
Zephaniah 3:4: Her prophets [are] light [and] treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.
Paradox #1
Jeremiah 2:8 could be seen as highlighting a theological inconsistency regarding religious leaders. It criticizes the priests, prophets, and leaders for not knowing God and for turning to false gods. This can be seen as contradictory because those leaders were expected to guide others in faith, but they themselves were not faithful. This creates a conflict between the expectations of religious authority and their actual actions.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 2:8 talks about religious leaders, like priests and prophets, not knowing or following God properly. The contradiction or inconsistency here might be with other parts of the Bible that portray religious leaders as guides chosen by God to lead the people in spiritual matters. This inconsistency can raise questions about how religious leaders are perceived at different times in biblical history.
Paradox #3
This verse talks about religious leaders failing to seek God and not understanding His ways. A contradiction or inconsistency could be seen in the expectation that leaders should always be righteous and knowledgeable, but in reality, they can also fall short and mislead others. This can lead to a conflict between the ideal role of a leader and their actual behavior.