Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
Judges 18:30 depicts idol worship by the tribe of Dan, whereas Exodus 20:3 commands, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," denouncing idolatry.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:32
Judges 18:30 indicates additions to worship practices, yet Deuteronomy 12:32 instructs not to add or subtract from God's commands.
Deuteronomy 12:32: What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Contradiction with Leviticus 26:1
Judges 18:30 involves the use of an idol by a tribe, opposing Leviticus 26:1, which prohibits making idols or graven images.
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 Samuel 12:21
Judges 18:30 describes idolatry practiced by Danites, while 1 Samuel 12:21 advises against turning aside after vain idols.
1 Samuel 12:21: And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:8-9
Judges 18:30 involves idol creation, which contradicts the prohibition of making graven images in Deuteronomy 5:8-9.
Deuteronomy 5:8-9: Thou shalt not make 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 waters beneath the earth:
Paradox #1
Judges 18:30 may present a contradiction because it mentions Moses’ grandson serving as a priest for idol worship, which is against the teachings that forbid idolatry. This could conflict with the commandments that strictly prohibit creating and worshiping idols.
Paradox #2
Judges 18:30 mentions a descendant of Moses, named Jonathan, serving as a priest for the tribe of Dan. The contradiction here is that it suggests unauthorized worship outside of the central place of worship, which would conflict with later religious laws requiring centralized worship in Jerusalem.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency could arise from the fact that the verse shows the establishment of idolatry, which contradicts the earlier commandments against worshiping idols. This reflects a conflict between the practices of certain groups and the central tenets of the faith.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or inconsistency in that verse could relate to genealogical differences, specifically around the name of a person or their ancestry, such as variations in family lineage or tribal association when compared to other parts of the text.