Contradiction with Numbers 14:30
Numbers 14:30 states that Caleb and Joshua were exceptions and would enter the promised land, contradicting Ezekiel 20:15's implication that none would enter.
Numbers 14:30: Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. [sware: Heb. lifted up my hand]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:35-36
While Ezekiel 20:15 suggests that the entire generation would not see the land, Deuteronomy 1:35-36 explicitly states that Caleb would see it because he followed the Lord fully.
Deuteronomy 1:35-36: Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,
Contradiction with Psalm 95:11
Psalm 95:11 implies a similar decision to deny entry into the land, yet it contrasts the perpetual wrath with the promise in Ezekiel 20:15.
Psalm 95:11: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. [that...: Heb. if they enter into my rest]
Contradiction with Numbers 32:11-12
Numbers 32:11-12 reaffirm that Caleb and Joshua were exceptions to God’s oath, unlike the general statement in Ezekiel 20:15 that excludes exceptions.
Numbers 32:11-12: Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: [wholly...: Heb. fulfilled after me]
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 20:15 might seem contradictory because it mentions God swearing not to bring the Israelites into the promised land, yet in other parts of the Bible, God promises that land to them. This could appear inconsistent with God's promise, but it's often interpreted as a response to their disobedience.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 20:15 mentions God's oath against letting the Israelites enter the land he had promised due to their disobedience. A potential contradiction arises because other parts of the Bible indicate God eventually allowed the Israelites to enter the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, despite earlier declarations of denial. This inconsistency may be debated in terms of God's initial refusal versus eventual fulfillment of his promise.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 20:15 might seem morally contradictory because it describes God swearing not to bring the Israelites into a promised land due to their disobedience, seemingly conflicting with earlier promises of a land to their ancestors. This may raise questions about the consistency of divine promises and responses to human behavior.