Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
Psalms 96:5 states that all the gods of the nations are idols, but Exodus 20:3 instructs worship of no other gods, implying they exist.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 32:17
Psalms 96:5 calls other gods idols, yet Deuteronomy 32:17 claims sacrifices were made to false gods, indicating entities beyond mere idols.
Deuteronomy 32:17: They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. [not to...: or, which were not God]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:5
Psalms 96:5 classifies other gods as idols, whereas 1 Corinthians 8:5 acknowledges the existence of many so-called gods and lords.
1 Corinthians 8:5: For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
Psalms 96:5 describes gods of nations as idols, while Deuteronomy 6:14 warns against following other gods, implying their distinct presence.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Judges 2:12
Psalms 96:5 dismisses gods as idols, yet Judges 2:12 speaks of real wrath for serving Baal and Ashtaroth, which are considered separate deities.
Judges 2:12: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
Paradox #1
Psalms 96:5 refers to the gods of other nations as idols. A contradiction or conflict might arise when considering the different religious beliefs and deities worshiped throughout history. Ancient cultures had rich traditions and a variety of gods, and the Bible's view could be seen as dismissive or in conflict with those beliefs, leading to religious and cultural disagreements.
Paradox #2
The verse implies that gods of other peoples are mere idols and not real, which could conflict with the scientific perspective that does not recognize any deities as empirical beings. It reflects a theological viewpoint rather than a scientific one.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Psalms 96:5 could be viewed from the perspective of religious pluralism and respect for other beliefs. The verse may suggest that other religions and their deities are not legitimate, which could conflict with the idea of respecting diverse beliefs and promoting harmony among different faiths. This can be seen as inconsistent with modern values of inclusivity and mutual respect.