Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
Contradicts with Exodus 14:4 by expressing God's desire for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, whereas Exodus 14:4 depicts God hardening Pharaoh's heart for His own glory.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
States that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, suggesting the opposite of Exodus 14:4, where God hardens Pharaoh's heart leading to destruction.
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 2 Peter 3:9
Indicates that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, unlike Exodus 14:4 where God intentionally hardens Pharaoh’s heart leading to his pursuit and eventual destruction.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
Promises plans to prosper and not to harm, which contrasts with the harm and destruction implied by God's actions in Exodus 14:4.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [expected...: Heb. end and expectation]
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
Declares that God is love, which contradicts the seemingly unloving act of hardening Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 14:4.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Exodus 14:4 is the idea of God hardening Pharaoh's heart. It raises questions about free will and God's role in influencing human actions. Some people wonder if it's fair for God to harden someone's heart and then punish them for their actions. This can be seen as inconsistent with the notion of a just and loving deity.
Paradox #2
The potential issue with Exodus 14:4 might arise from how it portrays God's actions. Some might see a contradiction in the idea of a loving and just God hardening Pharaoh's heart, which could seem to interfere with human free will or appear as God orchestrating suffering to display His power. This can be difficult to reconcile with other passages emphasizing God's love and justice.
Paradox #3
Exodus 14:4 can be seen as having a contradiction because it depicts God as hardening Pharaoh's heart, leading him to pursue the Israelites. A conflict here is the question of free will versus divine intervention. If God hardened Pharaoh's heart, it raises questions about Pharaoh’s responsibility for his actions and the fairness of punishing him for decisions that were divinely influenced. This can be seen as inconsistent with the idea of humans having free will and being accountable for their choices.