Contradiction with Exodus 34:7
This verse describes God as both merciful and forgiving but also as visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, which contrasts with the idea of steadfast covenant faithfulness presented in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
Similar to Exodus 34:7, it emphasizes God as merciful yet holding people accountable by punishing children for their parents' sins, which may contradict the assurance of mercy in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
States that a son will not bear the iniquity of the father and vice versa, focusing on individual responsibility, which can be seen as conflicting with the collective covenant and punishment themes in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:9-10
Indicates that God may change His mind about doing good to a nation if they do evil, which seems to disagree with the unconditional faithfulness to those who obey Him as depicted in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Jeremiah 18:9-10: And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it];
Contradiction with Lamentations 3:31-33
Emphasizes God's unwillingness to punish willingly, contrasting with the covenantal retribution implied in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Lamentations 3:31-33: For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 7:9 talks about God being faithful and keeping his promises to those who love him and follow his commandments. A potential contradiction or conflict might arise if someone observes that people who are good and faithful sometimes suffer, while those who do not follow God's ways often prosper, which can seem inconsistent with the promise of reward for faithfulness. This might lead to questions about the fairness or universality of the promise.