Contradiction with James 4:10
While Ezekiel 17:24 speaks about God exalting the low tree and bringing down the high tree, James 4:10 emphasizes that it is through humbling oneself that God will lift up the individual, not a direct intervention on trees or symbolic elevations.
James 4:10: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Contradiction with Matthew 23:12
This verse states that whoever exalts themselves will be humbled, and whoever humbles themselves will be exalted, implying personal action contrary to God directly changing status as described in Ezekiel 17:24.
Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:18
This verse warns that pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall, framing the concept as a natural consequence rather than a direct act of God like in Ezekiel 17:24.
Proverbs 16:18: Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27-28
These verses suggest that God chooses the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong, emphasizing God’s choice based on qualities, rather than a direct reversal of status as described in Ezekiel 17:24.
1 Corinthians 1:27-28: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Contradiction with Luke 1:52
This verse states that God has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree, similar to Ezekiel 17:24, but it focuses more on societal positions rather than a broader metaphorical interpretation in nature.
Luke 1:52: He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.
Contradiction with Proverbs 29:23
This verse indicates that a man's pride will bring him low, but humility will gain honor, suggesting personal qualities are key rather than the divine intervention seen in Ezekiel 17:24.
Proverbs 29:23: A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:12
This verse speaks to the day of the Lord being against the proud and lofty, hinting at a judgment context rather than the transformative growth metaphor that Ezekiel 17:24 illustrates.
Isaiah 2:12: For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
Paradox #1
Some people see a potential contradiction in Ezekiel 17:24 because it talks about God exalting the low and bringing down the high, which might seem different from other biblical verses where it appears that those in power are established or blessed by God. However, this can be understood as emphasizing God's ability to change circumstances according to His will, and it may not necessarily conflict with other teachings about authority. Thus, any perceived contradiction can often be resolved by considering the broader context and understanding of divine justice and mercy.