Contradiction with Exodus 20:5
This verse suggests that the iniquities of the fathers affect the children unto the third and fourth generation, contradicting the individual responsibility in Ezekiel 18:2.
Exodus 20:5: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:9
Similarly, this verse states that children are punished for the sins of their fathers, opposing the idea that individuals are not to bear the punishments of previous generations as in Ezekiel 18:2.
Deuteronomy 5:9: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
This verse mentions that God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, which is contrary to the principle in Ezekiel 18:2 that each person is responsible for their own actions.
Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 12:13-14
Here, the consequences of David's sin affect his child, indicating generational punishment as opposed to Ezekiel 18:2's teaching of individual accountability.
2 Samuel 12:13-14: And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
Contradiction with Lamentations 5:7
This verse indicates that ancestors' sins lead to consequences for their descendants, a view that differs from the personal responsibility emphasized in Ezekiel 18:2.
Lamentations 5:7: Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.
Paradox #1
The verse from Ezekiel 18:2 may seem to contradict the idea that children can suffer consequences for their parents' sins. In some other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 20:5, it mentions that God punishes children for their parents' sins, which can seem inconsistent with the message that each person is responsible for their own actions, as highlighted in Ezekiel 18. This can create a conflict in understanding how divine justice and responsibility work in the Bible.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 18:2 mentions a proverb about children suffering for their parents' sins, which conflicts with other parts of the Bible where it is suggested that consequences of sin can be passed down through generations, such as in Exodus 20:5. This creates a contradiction regarding whether individuals should bear responsibility for their own actions or suffer for the sins of their ancestors.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Ezekiel 18:2 relates to the idea of individual responsibility versus collective punishment. Some parts of the Bible suggest that children can suffer for their parents' sins, while this verse emphasizes personal responsibility for one's own actions. This can seem inconsistent with other teachings.