Contradiction with Exodus 34:7
This verse suggests God punishes children for the sins of their fathers, which contrasts with Ezekiel 18:30, where individuals are judged for their own actions.
Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
This verse aligns with Ezekiel 18:30 in holding individuals accountable, but it contradicts other collective punishment themes found elsewhere.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:29-30
While it supports individual responsibility, it contradicts verses like Exodus 34:7, which imply collective punishment, thus presenting biblical inconsistency.
Jeremiah 31:29-30: In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
Similar to Exodus 34:7, it speaks of God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, contradicting the personal accountability message in Ezekiel 18:30.
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].
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 18:30 emphasizes individual responsibility for one's own actions and the need to repent to avoid judgment. A potential contradiction might be with verses that suggest people suffer for the sins of others, like the collective punishment described in Exodus 20:5. This raises questions about whether accountability is individual or shared across generations.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Ezekiel 18:30 could be seen in the desire for both justice and mercy. The verse emphasizes individual responsibility and the consequences of wrong actions, which highlights justice. However, it also calls for turning away from wrongdoing to avoid consequences, suggesting mercy and forgiveness. Balancing these concepts can lead to tension, as strict justice may not always allow for mercy and vice versa.