Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
This verse states "Thou shalt not kill," which contradicts the severe punishment of death inflicted on Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:7 for touching the ark.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
This verse proclaims that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, which contrasts with the outcome in 2 Samuel 6:7.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse mentions that mercy triumphs over judgment, which seems to contradict the lack of mercy shown in the immediate punishment of Uzzah.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with Psalm 103:8
This verse states that "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger," contradicting the swift anger and action against Uzzah.
Psalm 103:8: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:7
This verse praises the merciful, connecting mercy to obtaining mercy, yet Uzzah received no leniency in 2 Samuel 6:7.
Matthew 5:7: Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Contradiction with Lamentations 3:33
This verse indicates that God does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone, contrasting with the punishment seen in 2 Samuel 6:7.
Lamentations 3:33: For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. [willingly: Heb. from his heart]
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
This verse describes God as love, which may seem at odds with the lethal consequence of Uzzah’s action in 2 Samuel 6:7.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:6
This verse describes God as abundant in lovingkindness, which seems inconsistent with Uzzah's immediate death.
Exodus 34:6: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Paradox #1
The story might seem to show a contradiction about God's justice or mercy. Uzzah touches the Ark to stop it from falling and is immediately struck down. This might conflict with the idea of a loving and forgiving God, as it appears harsh for a seemingly good intention.
Paradox #2
2 Samuel 6:7 can be seen as contradictory or inconsistent when compared to God's character of mercy and forgiveness emphasized in other parts of the Bible. In this verse, God's action appears harsh and immediate, which may seem at odds with the themes of patience and compassion found elsewhere.
Paradox #3
The contradiction could be the perceived harshness of God's reaction in this event compared to other biblical instances where similar offenses were either forgiven or not punished as severely. This inconsistency raises questions about the nature of divine justice and mercy.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or inconsistency could arise from the portrayal of God’s actions in this verse, which may conflict with contemporary scientific understanding of justice, morality, or human behavior. Science typically relies on observable, consistent phenomena, whereas this event might be viewed as sudden or arbitrary within a scientific framework. This discrepancy can lead to discussions on how divine actions or moral laws are represented and understood across different belief systems.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse could be seen as the punishment appears harsh. Uzzah was struck down for touching the Ark to prevent it from falling, which might seem unfair since his intention was to help. This can create conflict when considering the concepts of justice and mercy.