Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7
These verses emphasize God’s mercy and readiness to forgive, contrasting with the punishment and destruction described in Amos 9:4.
Exodus 34:6-7: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Contradiction with Psalm 103:8-10
These verses highlight God’s merciful nature and His slowness to anger, which contradicts the relentless pursuit of punishment in Amos 9:4.
Psalm 103:8-10: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
This verse encourages repentance with the promise of God's mercy and forgiveness, contrary to the inescapable judgment depicted in Amos 9:4.
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 Micah 7:18
This verse speaks of God delighting in mercy and forgiveness rather than retaining anger, opposing the relentless punishment seen in Amos 9:4.
Micah 7:18: Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
God’s willingness to relent from sending calamity upon repentance in this verse contradicts the assured destruction in Amos 9:4.
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.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction or inconsistency with Amos 9:4 could be the concept of God's omnipresence and protection. This verse suggests that regardless of where people go, they can't escape God's judgment. However, it might seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's protection and guidance for those who seek Him. The tension could arise when trying to reconcile the idea of a loving, protective God with one who enacts judgment everywhere.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Amos 9:4 is about God's promise of mercy and forgiveness versus His pronouncement of judgment and punishment. Some might see a conflict between God's role as a loving, forgiving deity and His role as a judge who enacts severe consequences. However, this is often understood as part of the complexity of God's nature, balancing justice with mercy.
Paradox #3
The moral conflict in Amos 9:4 could involve the portrayal of a vengeful God, which might seem inconsistent with the idea of a loving and merciful deity often emphasized in other parts of the Bible. This contrast can create confusion about the nature of God’s character and actions.