Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezekiel 14:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezekiel 14:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezekiel 14:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Ezekiel, God is saying that if someone from Israel loves other things more than God and talks to a prophet, God will talk to them based on what they care about most. It's like if you only pay attention to your toys and forget to listen to what your parents say, they will talk to you in a way that makes sense with your toys.

Ezekiel 14:4: Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

Contradiction with James 1:5

James encourages anyone lacking wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, which appears to contradict the idea of God answering based on the multitude of one's idols.

James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Contradiction with Psalm 145:18

This verse states that the Lord is near to all who call on him in truth, which contradicts the notion of God answering according to the idols in one's heart.

Psalm 145:18: The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Contradiction with John 9:31

This verse mentions that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, Him He hears, contradicting the idea of God responding based on their idols.

John 9:31: Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Contradiction with Isaiah 65:24

Suggests that God will answer before they call, and while they are yet speaking, He will hear, indicating an immediacy and willingness to hear beyond the condition of idols in one's heart.

Isaiah 65:24: And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:17

Mentions God's promise to remember our sins and lawless deeds no more, suggesting forgiveness rather than judgment based on idols present in the heart.

Hebrews 10:17: And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [And their: some copies have, Then he said, And their]

Paradox #1

The possible doctrinal conflict with Ezekiel 14:4 might be related to differing views on idol worship and seeking guidance from sources other than God. In some interpretations, seeking answers while holding onto idols might seem contradictory to the Bible's teachings, which emphasize reliance solely on God. This can create tension between human actions and divine expectations.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in Ezekiel 14:4 could be seen as God responding to people who worship idols by answering them according to their idolatry. This might seem inconsistent because it suggests that God engages with people based on their wrongful actions, potentially reinforcing their beliefs, rather than correcting them directly. The conflict arises from the expectation that God, being righteous, would not perpetuate or respond to idolatry in an accommodating way.

← Ezekiel 14:3
Share
Ezekiel 14:5 →
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.