Contradiction with Psalm 139:7-8
These verses suggest that God's presence is everywhere, contrasting with the idea in Amos 9:3 of hiding from God's reach.
Psalm 139:7-8: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:24
This verse asserts that no one can hide from God, opposing the implication in Amos 9:3 of attempting to escape His visibility.
Jeremiah 23:24: Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
Contradiction with Psalm 139:11-12
These verses declare that darkness cannot conceal and that night shines as the day, conflicting with the idea in Amos 9:3 of hiding in dark places.
Psalm 139:11-12: If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Amos 9:3 might concern the ancient understanding of geography and natural barriers. The verse describes people hiding in deep parts of the sea, which could suggest a non-literal interpretation or symbolic language, as ancient people did not have the means to go underwater or build structures like submarines we know today. This could be seen as a conflict with historical knowledge of their capabilities regarding underwater activities.
Paradox #2
The verse suggests that hiding at the bottom of the sea is possible, implying that people could physically hide from sight in the depths. Scientifically, this is contradictory because humans cannot survive unaided at the bottom of the sea due to extreme pressure, lack of oxygen, and other inhospitable conditions. Furthermore, modern technology makes it possible to detect and locate objects or people in the ocean depths, making hiding there impractical.