Contradiction with Genesis 8:22
This verse speaks of the cycle of seasons and continuity of earth's natural processes, suggesting a sense of permanence and renewal, contrasting the endless repetition without permanence in Ecclesiastes 1:7.
Genesis 8:22: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. [While...: Heb. As yet all the days of the earth]
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:10-11
These verses describe rain and snow serving a purpose to nourish the earth and accomplish goals, contradicting the idea of purposelessness in Ecclesiastes 1:7.
Isaiah 55:10-11: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Contradiction with Psalm 104:10-13
These verses emphasize the provision and nurturing aspect of natural cycles, suggesting a purposeful system, contrary to the cyclical futility described in Ecclesiastes 1:7.
Psalm 104:10-13: He sendeth the springs into the valleys, [which] run among the hills. [He: Heb. Who] [run: Heb. walk]
Contradiction with Job 38:25-28
God’s active role in directing rain and storms for specific purposes contradicts the endless and seemingly purposeless cycle described in Ecclesiastes 1:7.
Job 38:25-28: Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 1:7 describes a natural cycle where rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. In simple terms, this reflects an early observation of the water cycle. However, at the time it was written, there was no scientific understanding of evaporation and precipitation, which are key processes in the cycle. Some might see a lack of detail on these processes as inconsistent with modern scientific explanations, but it's not a contradiction; rather, it is an example of limited knowledge from the past.