Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:4
This verse states that an idol is nothing in the world, contradicting Leviticus 17:7 which warns against sacrificing to devils or idols.
1 Corinthians 8:4: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.
Contradiction with Acts 17:24
This verse portrays God as not dwelling in temples made with hands, challenging the notion of needing to make sacrifices to beings like those mentioned in Leviticus 17:7.
Acts 17:24: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Contradiction with Colossians 2:16
This verse suggests not letting others judge you in regard to religious festivals and sacrifices, which contradicts the prescriptive nature of sacrifices discussed in Leviticus 17:7.
Colossians 2:16: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:19-20
These verses acknowledge the existence of devils but emphasize not participating with them, offering a nuanced view compared to Leviticus 17:7's direct condemnation of sacrifice to them.
1 Corinthians 10:19-20: What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
Paradox #1
Leviticus 17:7 could be seen as having a contradiction or conflict concerning the consistency of worship practices. It instructs not to sacrifice to goat idols, implying a concern with idolatry. This could be seen as inconsistent with earlier biblical narratives where other forms of local, non-centralized worship practices were more common. It emphasizes centralization of worship, potentially conflicting with previous practices where local altars were acceptable.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 17:7 suggests that the Israelites were to stop sacrificing to goat idols, which hints at a past practice of idol worship among them. This may contradict the broader Biblical narrative that presents Israel as consistently devoted to monotheism and the worship of only one God. The verse implies a more complex religious history with influences from surrounding cultures and practices that the text aims to correct or reform.
Paradox #3
The contradiction might be related to the idea that sacrificing to or interacting with mythical creatures or deities has any real effect on the world. Modern science does not support the existence of supernatural beings or the effectiveness of rituals in influencing physical reality.
Paradox #4
Leviticus 17:7 could be seen as having a contradiction if one considers the strict prohibition against certain animal sacrifices to be inconsistent with the broader biblical theme of offering freedom found in other scriptures. Some people may see a conflict between the harsh penalties for not following these specific rules and the more forgiving, merciful aspects of God described elsewhere in the Bible.