Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse commands against making graven images, which contradicts Gideon's action of making an ephod that led Israel into idolatry in Judges 8:27.
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 7:16
This verse instructs the Israelites to destroy nations and their gods, not to adopt them, contradicting Gideon's creation of an idol.
Deuteronomy 7:16: And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
God states He will not share His glory with idols, opposing Gideon's act of creating an ephod that became an idol.
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 1 John 5:21
Advises believers to keep themselves from idols, which contrasts with Gideon's ephod that ensnared Israel.
1 John 5:21: Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:14
Commands not to worship any other god, contradicting the idolatry that arose from Gideon's ephod.
Exodus 34:14: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:
Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:12
Warns against serving idols, in direct contradiction to the snare created in Israel by Gideon's ephod.
2 Kings 17:12: For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
Contradiction with Psalm 135:15-18
Describes idols as vain, contrasting with the ephod that became an idol in Judges 8:27.
Psalm 135:15-18: The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Paradox #1
The verse in question might present a contradiction or inconsistency because it describes actions that could be seen as going against earlier commandments or teachings about idol worship. In leading the Israelites, Gideon built an object that ultimately tempted the people into idol worship, which conflicts with the commandment against creating and worshipping idols. This raises issues around leadership and faithfulness to God's commands.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Judges 8:27 could be seen in how Gideon, who initially refused to become king, creates an ephod from gold that leads Israel into idolatry. This action conflicts with the idea of leading the people towards worshiping God alone, showing inconsistency between Gideon's intentions and his actions.