Contradiction with Matthew 28:20
While Deuteronomy 32:20 speaks of God hiding His face, Matthew 28:20 speaks of Jesus' promise to be with His followers always.
Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5
Deuteronomy 32:20 mentions God's absence, whereas Hebrews 13:5 promises that God will never leave or forsake His people.
Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
In contrast to God withdrawing His presence in Deuteronomy 32:20, Isaiah 41:10 assures protection and support, indicating God's active presence.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with Psalm 23:4
Deuteronomy 32:20 depicts God hiding, but Psalm 23:4 emphasizes God's presence even in the darkest times.
Psalm 23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Contradiction with Joshua 1:9
Deuteronomy speaks of hiding His face, while Joshua 1:9 commands strength because God is with His people wherever they go.
Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 32:20 could be seen as depicting a contradiction or tension with the concepts of divine presence and care. In some interpretations, if God hides His face or presence from His people, it may seem inconsistent with the idea of a constantly loving and attentive God. This could raise questions about how divine hiddenness aligns with descriptions of God’s unwavering support and guidance elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the portrayal of divine abandonment. On one hand, it suggests a God who is just and caring, but on the other hand, it depicts a God willing to abandon people due to their lack of faith, which could conflict with the idea of unconditional divine love and forgiveness.