Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
This verse states that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, seeming to contradict Exodus 9:16 where God raises Pharaoh to show His power.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
This verse indicates that God does not want anyone to perish and desires all to come to repentance, contrasting with the idea of God hardening Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate His power.
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 1 Timothy 2:4
This verse expresses God's desire for all to be saved, potentially conflicting with Exodus 9:16 where God shows His power through Pharaoh's resistance.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44-45
These verses encourage loving enemies and suggest God treats everyone fairly, which seems at odds with the specific hardening of Pharaoh's heart for a demonstration of divine power.
Matthew 5:44-45: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Jonah 4:2
The verse highlights God's merciful and forgiving nature, which contrasts with God's use of Pharaoh's rebellion in Exodus 9:16.
Jonah 4:2: And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
Paradox #1
One point of contradiction or conflict could be the concept of God hardening Pharaoh's heart in the Exodus narrative. Critics argue that it raises questions about free will and moral responsibility, as it suggests Pharaoh was not acting of his own volition. This can seem inconsistent with the broader biblical theme of individuals being accountable for their actions.
Paradox #2
Exodus 9:16 might raise moral questions because it implies that God uses people for His purposes, even allowing them to suffer or do wrong. This could be seen as conflicting with the idea of free will or the belief that God is entirely just and loving. Some might struggle with understanding why God would choose to harden someone's heart or let them do harm for a greater plan.