Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Amos 2:4 mentions punishing the children for the father's sins, while Ezekiel 18:20 states that the son will not bear the guilt of the father.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:29-30
Amos 2:4 suggests communal punishment, but Jeremiah 31:29-30 emphasizes individual responsibility for one's own sins.
Jeremiah 31:29-30: In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
Amos 2:4 implies generational punishment, whereas Deuteronomy 24:16 clarifies that individuals should be punished only for their own sins.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Paradox #1
Amos 2:4 may be seen as highlighting a conflict in that it accuses Judah of rejecting the law of the Lord and following false gods, raising questions about why God permits such deviation among His chosen people and how divine justice and mercy are balanced. This can prompt discussions on the consistency of divine expectations and human actions.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Amos 2:4 could be seen in the context of judgment and punishment. In the Bible, God is often portrayed as merciful and forgiving, but this verse speaks of punishment for disobedience. The conflict arises between the ideas of a forgiving God versus a God who punishes, creating a tension between justice and mercy.