Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that only the soul who sins shall die, implying individual accountability, whereas Exodus 32:35 suggests collective punishment.
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 James 1:13
This verse suggests that God does not tempt anyone with evil, which could be contrasted with God's direct action in striking the people in Exodus 32:35.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
This verse emphasizes that God is love, which seems contradictory to the act of striking people with a plague as described in Exodus 32:35.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Paradox #1
Exodus 32:35 describes a punishment inflicted by God. A possible contradiction could be the idea of a loving and forgiving God versus a God who punishes. This conflict arises from the different portrayals of God's nature in various parts of the Bible, highlighting a tension between justice and mercy.
Paradox #2
Exodus 32:35 describes a punishment from God, which some may see as harsh or severe. The contradiction or conflict could be in how a loving and forgiving God also carries out such punishment. This might seem inconsistent with the idea of a compassionate deity who offers mercy and forgiveness.