Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
Condemns the making of graven images, which contrasts with Micah making an ephod and teraphim in Judges 17:5.
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
Curses individuals who make or possess idols, contradicting the idolatry in Judges 17:5.
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 Isaiah 42:8
God states He will not share His glory with idols, contrasting the idolatry in Judges 17:5.
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 Leviticus 26:1
Prohibits making idols or images for worship, opposed to the actions in Judges 17:5.
Leviticus 26:1: Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God. [standing...: or, pillar] [image of...: or, figured stone: Heb. a stone of picture]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:14
Encourages believers to flee from idolatry, contradicting the idolatrous practices shown in Judges 17:5.
1 Corinthians 10:14: Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Paradox #1
Judges 17:5 may seem contradictory because it describes a man making his own shrine and appointing one of his sons as a priest. This goes against the established religious laws in the Bible, where priests were supposed to come from the tribe of Levi and worship was to be centered around the Tabernacle. This action reflects a time of disorder and lack of centralized religious authority in ancient Israel.
Paradox #2
The primary issue with Judges 17:5 is that it describes a household that had its own shrine, idols, and a private priest, which conflicts with the biblical teaching that worship should be centralized in the temple and that idol worship is prohibited. This situation demonstrates a deviation from the prescribed religious practices in Israel at that time.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the way it shows a person making a shrine and appointing his son as a priest, despite the teachings against idolatry and unauthorized priesthood in other parts of the Bible. This action seems to go against the established religious rules and duties as outlined elsewhere in biblical tradition.