Contradiction with Exodus 32:14
This verse shows God choosing not to bring disaster after initially planning to, while Deuteronomy 4:31 emphasizes His unwavering mercy and not forsaking His people.
Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:8
Here, God's willingness to change His mind about punishment differs from the unwavering nature of mercy presented in Deuteronomy 4:31.
Jeremiah 18:8: If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:11
God expressing regret for making Saul king seems to contradict the unchangeable and merciful nature of God in Deuteronomy 4:31.
1 Samuel 15:11: It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
God repenting of evil He planned reflects changeability, conflicting with the depiction in Deuteronomy 4:31.
Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:12
God's intention to strike and disinherit His people contrasts with the assurance of not forsaking them in Deuteronomy 4:31.
Numbers 14:12: I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Deuteronomy 4:31 could arise from its assurance of God's mercy and faithfulness, even when the broader context of the Old Testament includes moments where harsh punishments are depicted. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of an unconditionally merciful and forgiving deity.