Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill." contradicts Jeremiah 7:31, which describes the Israelites sacrificing their children.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Leviticus 18:21
This verse explicitly forbids giving one's children to Molech, contradicting the actions described in Jeremiah 7:31.
Leviticus 18:21: And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD. [Molech: Gr. Moloch]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:31
States that God hates such abominations as child sacrifice, directly opposing the practices mentioned in Jeremiah 7:31.
Deuteronomy 12:31: Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. [to the: Heb. of the]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10
Prohibits passing children through the fire, contradicting the sacrificial acts in Jeremiah 7:31.
Deuteronomy 18:10: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Contradiction with 2 Kings 16:3
Describes King Ahaz's practices, which are condemned and align with what is denounced in Jeremiah 7:31.
2 Kings 16:3: But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 21:6
Condemns Manasseh for making his son pass through the fire, which is similar to what is criticized in Jeremiah 7:31.
2 Kings 21:6: And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 28:3
The verse condemns similar actions by King Ahaz, aligning with the condemnation in Jeremiah 7:31.
2 Chronicles 28:3: Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. [burnt...: or, offered sacrifice]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 33:6
Manasseh's actions are condemned and mirror the practices criticized in Jeremiah 7:31.
2 Chronicles 33:6: And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Paradox #1
Jeremiah 7:31 presents a contradiction because God expresses anger over child sacrifices, yet in other parts of the Bible, like the story of Abraham and Isaac, God seems to test loyalty through a willingness to sacrifice. This raises questions about consistency in God's stance on such sacrifices.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 7:31 might seem to contradict the idea that God is unchanging or does not change His mind. In this verse, God expresses disapproval of practices that people thought were acceptable or part of His will. This can appear inconsistent with the notion that religious practices commanded by God are clearly defined and unalterable. However, many interpret this as a reminder that human understanding of God's desires can be flawed or misled, rather than a change in God's nature or commands.
Paradox #3
Jeremiah 7:31 talks about practices that are strongly condemned, specifically child sacrifice. The potential contradiction or inconsistency here could be with other parts of the Bible or historical context where such practices are described without the same level of condemnation, indicating varying attitudes or practices over time. Additionally, archaeological findings and other historical records might show differing accounts of these practices in ancient societies.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in Jeremiah 7:31 could be the reference to human sacrifice. In modern science and ethics, human sacrifice is regarded as both morally and scientifically indefensible since it contradicts valued principles of human rights and the sanctity of human life.
Paradox #5
The contradiction, inconsistency, or conflict in Jeremiah 7:31 could be seen in the context of religious people committing acts that go against the teachings of their faith, such as doing something that is explicitly condemned. It raises questions about how people justify their actions when they contradict what is considered morally right or sanctioned by religion.