Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:9
This verse describes God's intention to use Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of His will, rather than implying he was succeeding through his own power alone as Daniel 1:2 might suggest.
Jeremiah 25:9: Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.
Contradiction with Isaiah 45:1
This verse indicates that God's anointed can be anyone who accomplishes His purposes, which implies that Nebuchadnezzar’s actions could be seen as part of a divine plan rather than independent success.
Isaiah 45:1: Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; [have...: or, strengthened]
Contradiction with Habakkuk 1:6
This verse portrays the Chaldeans as a divinely raised-up nation for judgment, contrasting with Daniel 1:2, where the focus is on Nebuchadnezzar's conquests rather than being a divine instrument.
Habakkuk 1:6: For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs. [breadth: Heb. breadths]
Contradiction with 2 Kings 24:1
This verse states that Jehoiakim became Nebuchadnezzar’s servant for three years, suggesting a political relationship rather than the divinely orchestrated event seen in Daniel 1:2.
2 Kings 24:1: In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 36:6-7
This verse highlights the physical act of carrying treasures to Babylon, emphasizing a political and military act rather than focusing on divine will as in Daniel 1:2.
2 Chronicles 36:6-7: Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon. [fetters: or, chains]
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction with Daniel 1:2 is the timing of the events described. The verse mentions Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem, but historical records and other biblical passages suggest that this occurred in 597 BCE, during his eighth year as king, not during his first or third year, as some interpretations of Daniel suggest. This creates a potential inconsistency in the chronology of events.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Daniel 1:2 could involve the idea of a just and loving God allowing the conquest and suffering of the Israelites. It raises questions about why a protective deity would permit such events, which might seem inconsistent with an image of divine care and justice.