Contradiction with Genesis 1:26
Contradicts by indicating man was given dominion over all creatures, suggesting control over them, which opposes the harm caused by lions in 2 Kings 17:25.
Genesis 1:26: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Contradiction with Genesis 9:2
States that the beasts of the earth will fear and dread humans, opposing the idea of them attacking as in 2 Kings 17:25.
Genesis 9:2: And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth [upon] the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
Contradiction with Psalm 91:13
Indicates protection from wild beasts, suggesting safety from attacks like those in 2 Kings 17:25.
Psalm 91:13: Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. [adder: or, asp]
Contradiction with Isaiah 11:6
Describes harmony among creatures, contradicting the hostile behavior of lions as described in 2 Kings 17:25.
Isaiah 11:6: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
Contradiction with Hosea 2:18
Promises a covenant of peace with the beasts, which contradicts the violence done by lions in 2 Kings 17:25.
Hosea 2:18: And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.
Contradiction with Mark 1:13
Jesus lived peacefully with wild beasts in the wilderness, contrasting with the attack by lions in 2 Kings 17:25.
Mark 1:13: And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Contradiction with Luke 10:19
Suggests authority and protection over harmful creatures, which contradicts the lions harming the people in 2 Kings 17:25.
Luke 10:19: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction with the idea that God sent lions to attack the settlers because they weren't worshiping Him, while other parts of the Bible emphasize God's mercy and patience. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of giving people time to understand and follow His teachings.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this situation could be seen in the idea of divine punishment versus mercy. The verse might suggest that God allowed harm as a result of not worshipping Him correctly, which can seem inconsistent with the concept of a loving and forgiving deity. This raises questions about the balance between justice and compassion in divine actions.