Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that the soul who sins shall die, and children shall not bear the iniquity of parents, which contradicts the idea of defiling with offerings mentioned in Ezekiel 20:26.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
It declares that children should not be put to death for their parents' sins, contradicting the defilement of children implied in Ezekiel 20:26.
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
This passage argues against the notion of children suffering for parents' sins, opposing the concept in Ezekiel 20:26.
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 Isaiah 1:13-14
It indicates that God finds certain offerings offensive, contrasting with the defiling practices allowed in Ezekiel 20:26.
Isaiah 1:13-14: Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [iniquity: or, grief]
Contradiction with Micah 6:7-8
Highlights what is required by God (justice, mercy, humility) contradicting the acceptance of defiling practices in Ezekiel 20:26.
Micah 6:7-8: Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, [or] with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn [for] my transgression, the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul? [body: Heb. belly]
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 20:26 might be seen as contradictory because it talks about God giving laws that seem harmful, which appears to go against the idea of a loving and just God who wants the best for people. This can be confusing since elsewhere in the Bible, God's laws are described as good and life-giving.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 20:26 might seem to contradict the overall message of God as loving and just because it talks about God giving statutes that were not good and judgments by which they could not live. This could be seen as conflicting with the view of God’s commandments being intended for the benefit and well-being of people.
Paradox #3
One contradiction or inconsistency regarding Ezekiel 20:26 is the potential conflict with the concept of a just and merciful God. The verse implies that God gave laws leading to the offering of firstborn children, which could seem contradictory to other biblical teachings that condemn child sacrifice. This raises questions about the nature of God's laws and His intentions, creating a tension between divine justice and the narrative presented.
Paradox #4
"Ezekiel 20:26" could be seen as conflicting with modern scientific understanding of ethics and morality, specifically regarding the value of life. The verse implies that certain practices were allowed or caused by divine will, which might clash with contemporary views on human rights and the protection of children.
Paradox #5
Ezekiel 20:26 is sometimes seen as morally conflicting because it suggests that God gave certain decrees that were not good and caused harm. This can raise questions about why a benevolent and just God would issue harmful commands, seeming to contradict the idea of a purely good deity.