Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands having no other gods, which contradicts the idolatrous practices mentioned in Jeremiah 7:18.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
This verse states that God will not give His glory to another, while Jeremiah 7:18 describes people offering worship to other gods.
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 Matthew 4:10
This verse commands that worship should be directed to God alone, contrasting with the idol worship in Jeremiah 7:18.
Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
This verse warns against following other gods, which contradicts the actions described in Jeremiah 7:18.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Exodus 20:5
This verse forbids idolatry and describes God as a jealous God, contradicting the idol worship seen in Jeremiah 7:18.
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;
Paradox #1
Jeremiah 7:18 discusses the people making offerings to the "Queen of Heaven," which implies idolatry and worship of other gods. The theological conflict here is that it contradicts the monotheistic foundation of worshiping only one God, as emphasized in the Ten Commandments and throughout the Bible. This reflects a deviation from exclusive devotion to God, which is a core principle in biblical teaching.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 7:18 might be seen as contradictory or inconsistent if compared to other parts of the Bible that speak about idols and worship. In some verses, God seems very clear about rejecting idol worship and punishing those who participate in it. Yet, in Jeremiah 7:18, the actions of idol worship are described as a part of everyday life, involving the whole family. This might seem inconsistent with the overall message that God condemns idol worship, as it shows how ingrained these practices can be despite divine disapproval. However, this does not necessarily mean a contradiction; instead, it highlights the people's disobedience despite knowing God's stance against such practices.
Paradox #3
Jeremiah 7:18 talks about people making offerings to a goddess, which is inconsistent with the Bible's usual emphasis on worshipping only one God. This reflects a contradiction where the practices of the people were not in line with the strict monotheism promoted in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in this passage could be the involvement of family members, including children, being actively part of a practice that is viewed negatively by God. This raises questions about collective responsibility and the fairness of judgment towards the entire group, including those who might not fully understand their actions, like children.