Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezekiel 14:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezekiel 14:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezekiel 14:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Ezekiel, even if three good men were in the land, they could only save themselves, and not their children, from trouble. God is saying that each person is responsible for their own actions, and the land would still be empty and sad.

Ezekiel 14:16: [Though] these three men [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. [in it: Heb. in the midst of it]

Contradiction with Genesis 18:32

In Genesis, God agrees to spare Sodom if ten righteous people are found, while Ezekiel 14:16 suggests even righteous people cannot save the land.

Genesis 18:32: And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 15:1

God tells Jeremiah even if Moses and Samuel stood before Him, His mind would not be toward the people, similar to Ezekiel 14:16, but different in that extra figures are mentioned.

Jeremiah 15:1: Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Contradiction with Exodus 32:14

God changes His mind about destroying His people after Moses intercedes, contrasting with Ezekiel 14:16, where the presence of righteous individuals does not avert judgment.

Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Contradiction with Jonah 3:10

God spares Nineveh after the people repent, showing that collective repentance can lead to salvation, contrasting with Ezekiel 14:16's idea that righteousness of a few does not save the many.

Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

Contradiction with Numbers 16:46-48

Aaron's atonement stops a plague among the Israelites, implying intercession can work, which contradicts Ezekiel 14:16 where such intercession does not prevent judgment.

Numbers 16:46-48: And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

Paradox #1

This verse suggests that the presence of righteous individuals cannot save others from consequences or judgment. A contradiction might arise when considering the belief in collective responsibility or the power of good individuals to positively influence or protect a community. It challenges the idea that the righteous can shield others through their virtue.

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