Contradiction with Romans 11:11
This verse suggests that salvation coming to the Gentiles serves to provoke Israel to jealousy, whereas Deuteronomy 32:21 mentions God using a "foolish nation" to provoke Israel to jealousy, suggesting different pathways to provoke jealousy.
Romans 11:11: I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Contradiction with Hosea 1:10
This verse implies mercy and future restoration for a people once considered not God's people, contrasting Deuteronomy 32:21 where using a foolish nation appears to signify punishment or rejection.
Hosea 1:10: Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God. [in...: or, instead of that]
Contradiction with John 3:16
This verse speaks to God's universal love for the world and offer of salvation, which contrasts Deuteronomy 32:21's theme of provoking jealousy and seeming favoritism towards another nation.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with Isaiah 14:1
This verse describes God choosing Israel again and settling them in their own land, seemingly in contradiction to the abandonment suggested by the provocation of jealousy with a "foolish nation."
Isaiah 14:1: For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.
Contradiction with Malachi 1:2-3
These verses reflect God's differentiated love for Israel over Esau, contrasting with Deuteronomy 32:21, which depicts God allowing jealousy over foreign nations.
Malachi 1:2-3: I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 32:21 mentions provoking God to jealousy with what is considered "no-god" or "vain idols." A potential contradiction could be seen when compared with the idea that God is unchanging and omniscient, as jealousy is typically a human emotion suggesting change or being affected by external factors. Traditional theology often interprets God's jealousy as a metaphor for His desire for His people's exclusive devotion, but some could see a tension here.
Paradox #2
One possible contradiction in Deuteronomy 32:21 is its reference to making the Israelites jealous with "a nation that is not a nation." Some scholars interpret this as foretelling future conflicts or suggesting a specific group existing at that time, but there is no clear historical evidence pinpointing which group this refers to, causing some inconsistency in its interpretation.
Paradox #3
The verse speaks about provoking with idols, which could conflict with scientific understanding because science relies on empirical evidence and natural laws, not spiritual or supernatural beliefs. Idol worship is generally seen as a cultural or religious practice rather than something scientifically observable or evidence-based. Therefore, there might be a discrepancy between the religious concept of idols having an effect and the scientific approach that lacks evidence for such effects.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in Deuteronomy 32:21 could be viewed as God responding to people's faithlessness with jealousy and anger, despite being perfect and not needing human validation. Some might find it inconsistent for a divine being to exhibit human-like emotions such as jealousy.