Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse commands against making graven images, whereas Judges 17:4 involves creating a graven image.
Exodus 20:4: 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, conflicting with the making of the image in Judges 17:4.
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 Leviticus 19:4
It warns against turning unto idols and making molten gods, contradicting the actions in Judges 17:4.
Leviticus 19:4: Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I [am] the LORD your God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
These verses describe the futility of making idols, opposing the act of creating an image in Judges 17:4.
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 Jeremiah 10:14
This verse denounces every founder as confounded by graven images, clashing with the making of one in Judges 17:4.
Jeremiah 10:14: Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them. [brutish in his knowledge: or, more brutish than to know]
Contradiction with Psalm 97:7
It speaks against worshipers of graven images, contrasting with the acceptance of such in Judges 17:4.
Psalm 97:7: Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.
Contradiction with Habakkuk 2:18
This verse questions the value of graven images, challenging the creation of one in Judges 17:4.
Habakkuk 2:18: What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? [maker of...: Heb. fashioner of his fashion]
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:19-20
These verses criticize the making of idols, conflicting with the actions described in Judges 17:4.
Isaiah 40:19-20: The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in Judges 17:4 arises when considering the prohibition against making idols in the Ten Commandments. This verse describes making an idol, which conflicts with the commandment against idolatry.
Paradox #2
Judges 17:4 involves the creation of an idol, which contradicts the commandment against making and worshipping idols found in other parts of the Bible, like in Exodus 20:3-4. This is an inconsistency because one part of the Bible forbids idolatry, while this story describes someone making one.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency in Judges 17:4 could be that the verse involves using silver to make an idol, despite the Bible's general opposition to idol worship. This creates a conflict between the actions described and the broader biblical teachings against idolatry.