Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
This verse contradicts Daniel 4:17 by indicating that the Lord looks at the heart, not the outward appearance or ranking, suggesting a different basis for choosing leaders rather than God's direct bestowment based on divine decree.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5
This verse suggests that reliance on human judgment and strength, rather than God’s intervention in leadership like in Daniel 4:17, is problematic, presenting a trust issue contradiction.
Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
It suggests that time and chance affect all outcomes, which contradicts the notion in Daniel 4:17 of divine authority and control over who rules.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Hosea 8:4
Indicates that people set up kings, but not by God, contradicting the idea in Daniel 4:17 of God appointing rulers.
Hosea 8:4: They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
Contradiction with John 18:36
This verse implies Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, contradicting the notion of earthly authority being directly decreed by God as in Daniel 4:17.
John 18:36: Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Contradiction with James 4:4
Suggests friendship with the world is enmity with God, which could be seen to contradict the involvement or acknowledgment of worldly kingdoms' appointment seen in Daniel 4:17.
James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that God has control over earthly kingdoms and places lowly people in power. A potential contradiction could be with the idea of free will, where humans have the freedom to choose and govern themselves independently. Some may see a conflict between divine sovereignty and human agency.
Paradox #2
This verse suggests that God has ultimate control over human kingdoms and can give power to anyone, even the lowest of people. The contradiction or conflict might arise from the idea of fairness. If God gives power to the lowliest individuals regardless of merit, it could be seen as overlooking personal responsibility, effort, or moral character. This could conflict with the idea of justice or fairness as understood by human standards.