Contradiction with Psalm 106:44-45
Contradicts by showing God's willingness to relent and show mercy when He hears the cries of His people, contrasting with His decision not to turn from His wrath in 2 Kings 23:26.
Psalm 106:44-45: Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
Contradicts by emphasizing that God will have mercy and abundantly pardon if the wicked turn to Him, whereas 2 Kings 23:26 shows His unwillingness to turn away His fierce anger.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
Contradicts by highlighting God's readiness to repent of the evil He planned to do when people turn from their evil ways, contrasting with His steadfast wrath in 2 Kings 23:26.
Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.
Contradiction with Lamentations 3:31-33
Contradicts by underscoring God's nature not to afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men, whereas 2 Kings 23:26 demonstrates His firm resolve to maintain His anger.
Lamentations 3:31-33: For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:21-23
Contradicts by stressing that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and will spare those who repent, in contrast to His unrelenting wrath in 2 Kings 23:26.
Ezekiel 18:21-23: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Paradox #1
2 Kings 23:26 presents a potential inconsistency with the theme of divine forgiveness found elsewhere in the Bible. While some passages emphasize God's willingness to forgive and relent in response to genuine repentance, this verse suggests that God remained angry despite reforms and changes. This could seem at odds with the idea of a merciful and forgiving God.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction because earlier, King Josiah's reforms are shown positively as bringing religious change and obedience to God. However, despite these changes, the verse suggests that God's anger did not turn away due to past sins. This seems inconsistent with the idea that sincere reform should lead to a change in God's response.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse might stem from the idea of divine punishment and forgiveness. On one hand, the Bible often teaches about forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. On the other hand, this verse underscores the idea of ongoing punishment despite reforms and efforts to do good. This could seem inconsistent because it suggests that past wrongdoings can continue to incur divine wrath even after positive changes have been made.