Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
This verse advises to trust in the LORD with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding, contradicting the self-assured faith in a man-made idol as seen in Judges 17:13.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5
This verse states that cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, contrasting with Judges 17:13 where reliance on a man-made religious practice brings assumed blessings.
Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:8
This verse condemns the land being full of idols and people worshipping the work of their own hands, directly contradicting the confidence in idolatry shown in Judges 17:13.
Isaiah 2:8: Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:
Contradiction with Exodus 20:4-5
These verses command not to make graven images or bow to them, contrasting with the actions and beliefs of Micah in Judges 17:13.
Exodus 20:4-5: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 27:15
This verse curses anyone who makes a graven or molten image, which contrasts with the self-assurance found in Judges 17:13 due to use of idols.
Deuteronomy 27:15: Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-8
These verses describe idols as the work of men’s hands, useless and powerless, contradicting the belief in their effectiveness as expressed in Judges 17:13.
Psalm 115:4-8: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
These verses go against the idea of idol worship by highlighting the futility and shame of creating and trusting in idols, like in Judges 17:13.
Isaiah 44:9-10: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]
Contradiction with Hosea 8:4
This verse criticizes setting up rulers and idols without God's consent, which contrasts with Micah's unauthorized religious setup in Judges 17:13.
Hosea 8:4: They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
Paradox #1
Judges 17:13 might suggest a contradiction with the broader biblical teaching that God's favor and blessing are not dependent on human rituals or actions, but rather on faith and obedience to God's will. This verse could imply that merely appointing a priest could guarantee God's favor, which conflicts with the more nuanced biblical principle that genuine relationship with God is based on faith and righteousness, not just performing religious duties or appointments.
Paradox #2
The verse in Judges 17:13 reflects a belief that having a Levite as a personal priest would guarantee God's blessing. This could contradict the broader biblical teaching that God’s favor is not dependent on human arrangements or positions, but on genuine faith and obedience to God’s will.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency might be in the idea of relying on religious symbols or figures for personal blessings, which can conflict with the belief that true faith and blessing come directly from a relationship with God, not through man-made idols or incorrect practices.