Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
This verse commands "Thou shalt not kill," which contradicts the actions of child sacrifice described in Psalms 106:37.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:17
This verse describes the same sin of child sacrifice but highlights it as a reason for punishment, contradicting any acceptance of such acts.
2 Kings 17:17: And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Contradiction with Leviticus 18:21
This verse explicitly prohibits child sacrifice to Molech, directly opposing the actions depicted in Psalms 106:37.
Leviticus 18:21: And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD. [Molech: Gr. Moloch]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:31
This verse commands not to worship God in the way pagan nations do, which includes child sacrifice as described in Psalms 106:37.
Deuteronomy 12:31: Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. [to the: Heb. of the]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 19:5
This verse emphasizes that God did not command or desire such abominations as child sacrifice, contradicting the acts in Psalms 106:37.
Jeremiah 19:5: They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind:
Contradiction with Ezekiel 16:20-21
This verse condemns the practice of child sacrifice, contrasting with the disobedient actions recounted in Psalms 106:37.
Ezekiel 16:20-21: Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. [Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter, [to be...: Heb. to devour]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction with Psalms 106:37 arises when considering the commandment against human sacrifice in the Old Testament. The verse discusses the practice, which conflicts with the biblical stance that such acts are detestable to God. This may appear inconsistent given the historical context in which other cultures engaged in sacrifice, but it is consistently condemned in the Bible.
Paradox #2
Psalms 106:37 talks about sacrificing children to idols, which suggests child sacrifice was practiced among some groups in ancient times. The contradiction or conflict might arise from the fact that this practice is condemned in other parts of the Hebrew Bible, where God commands the Israelites to avoid such acts. This implies a tension between historical practices and religious teachings.
Paradox #3
One potential inconsistency with a scientific perspective might be the concept of sacrificing children to idols or spirits, as it involves supernatural beliefs that can't be proven or observed through scientific methods. Science relies on evidence and natural explanations, while such acts are rooted in religious and spiritual beliefs.
Paradox #4
Psalms 106:37 discusses the Israelites sacrificing their children to idols, which is seen as a grave sin. The contradiction could arise when comparing this act with instances where God commands violent actions elsewhere in the Bible, such as during wars or executing justice. This might seem inconsistent because, on one hand, human life is valued and protected, while on the other, it appears to be expendable under certain divine commands. This can create confusion about the absolute nature of moral laws in the context of religious obedience.