Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezekiel 20:22

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezekiel 20:22 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezekiel 20:22. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Ezekiel, God made a choice to hold back his punishment, not because the people were behaving, but because He wanted to protect His good name and show everyone how powerful and loving He is. This way, others would not think badly of Him when they saw how He was helping His people.

Ezekiel 20:22: Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

Contradiction with Exodus 32:14

Contradicts Ezekiel 20:22 by showing God repenting from His wrath after Moses' intercession, whereas Ezekiel 20:22 suggests restraint for His name's sake.

Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Contradiction with Malachi 3:6

Contradicts Ezekiel 20:22 as it states that God does not change, while the restraint in Ezekiel suggests a change in action.

Malachi 3:6: For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Contradiction with Psalm 106:8

This verse indicates God rebuked the Red Sea for His name's sake, showing proactive intervention, unlike the passive restraint in Ezekiel 20:22.

Psalm 106:8: Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

Contradiction with Isaiah 48:9

Contradicts Ezekiel 20:22 by explicitly stating that God defers His anger for His name's sake, similar but shown as a distinct and separate act.

Isaiah 48:9: For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

Contradiction with Jonah 3:10

Exhibits a contradiction by showing God's change of intent after repentance from Nineveh, different from the singular reasoning offered in Ezekiel 20:22.

Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

Contradiction with Numbers 23:19

Contradictory as it states God does not repent or change His mind, whereas Ezekiel 20:22 implies a change of action to prevent wrath for His name's sake.

Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Paradox #1

Ezekiel 20:22 deals with God holding back his hand to protect His name despite the people's rebellion. Some might see a contradiction with other passages where God is portrayed as acting swiftly and decisively against wrongdoing. This could lead to questions about the consistency of God's justice and mercy throughout the Bible.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or inconsistency in this verse could be seen as the tension between justice and mercy. On one hand, there is the expectation of justice or consequences for wrongdoing. On the other hand, the verse highlights restraint and not taking action, which can be viewed as showing mercy or patience. This can create a conflict in understanding how justice and mercy are balanced.

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.