Contradiction with Exodus 20:5
Deuteronomy 32:43 emphasizes God's vengeance on enemies, while Exodus 20:5 highlights God's mercy and forgiveness extending beyond immediate retribution.
Exodus 20:5: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Deuteronomy 32:43 calls for rejoicing over God's retribution, but Matthew 5:44 teaches to love and pray for enemies instead of seeking vengeance.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Deuteronomy 32:43 speaks about rejoicing in God's vengeance, whereas Romans 12:19 instructs believers to leave vengeance to God and not to avenge themselves.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
Deuteronomy 32:43's focus on vengeance contrasts with Ezekiel 18:23, where God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked but prefers repentance and life.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with Jonah 4:2
Deuteronomy 32:43 describes God taking vengeance, while Jonah 4:2 highlights God's compassion and slowness to anger, even towards those deserving punishment.
Jonah 4:2: And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 32:43 has variations in different Bible translations, especially regarding the inclusion of phrases about other nations or heavenly beings praising God. This can lead to theological questions about the role of non-Israelite nations or divine beings in worship and God's broader plan for all people, potentially causing confusion or perceived inconsistency about the universal scope of God's salvation.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 32:43 has different versions in various ancient manuscripts, including the Hebrew Masoretic Text and the Greek Septuagint. These versions have differences in wording and content, leading to inconsistencies and variations in interpretation across different translations. This can result in confusion or debate about its original meaning and intent.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 32:43 might be seen as having a contradiction because it speaks of both punishment and joy. On one hand, it talks about vengeance and retribution, which can conflict with messages of forgiveness found elsewhere in the Bible. On the other hand, it mentions rejoicing and compassion. The tension between justice and mercy could seem inconsistent to some people.