Contradiction with Exodus 32:14
In Ezekiel 20:8, God is ready to unleash fury on the Israelites for rebellion, but in Exodus 32:14, God repents of the evil thought to do unto His people when Moses intercedes.
Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 30:9
Ezekiel 20:8 indicates God's harsh judgment on rebelliousness, whereas 2 Chronicles 30:9 promises compassion and redemption if the people return to God.
2 Chronicles 30:9: For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:18
Ezekiel 20:8 emphasizes judgment and wrath due to rebellion, while Isaiah 1:18 extends an invitation for reasoning together and cleansing of sins.
Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
While Ezekiel 20:8 depicts an unyielding intention to display anger, Jonah 3:10 directly shows God withholding destruction from a repentant Nineveh.
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 Lamentations 3:22
Ezekiel 20:8 showcases impending punishment for rebellion, yet Lamentations 3:22 focuses on God's mercies and faithfulness, leading to a different outlook.
Lamentations 3:22: [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Contradiction with Micah 7:18
There is an emphasis on anger and judgment in Ezekiel 20:8, while Micah 7:18 highlights God’s delight in mercy and not staying angry forever.
Micah 7:18: Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
Contradiction with James 2:13
While Ezekiel 20:8 stresses wrath and judgment, James 2:13 conveys that mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
"Ezekiel 20:8" highlights the Israelites' disobedience and reluctance to abandon idol worship, even when God sought to deliver them. The potential theological conflict here could be the recurring question of why a just and omnipotent God allows His chosen people to rebel repeatedly without immediate and severe consequences, seemingly contradicting the idea of divine justice and control. This could lead to discussions about human free will versus divine intervention.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 20:8 discusses the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry, and there might be perceived contradictions with parts of the Bible that emphasize obedience and following God's commands (like in Exodus or Deuteronomy) or the idea of God's forgiveness. Some might see a conflict between God's judgment on disobedience and other passages highlighting mercy and forgiveness. However, these are often reconciled by understanding the context and broader themes of repentance and grace.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 20:8 talks about the Israelites rebelling against God while in Egypt, but the Book of Exodus mainly focuses on God delivering them from slavery. Exodus doesn't mention the Israelites' disobedience in Egypt before their deliverance, creating a discrepancy between the accounts in Ezekiel and Exodus.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict might arise from the fact that in this verse, God expresses anger towards the Israelites for their disobedience and idolatry, yet earlier narratives and teachings emphasize forgiveness, patience, and redemption. This tension between divine judgment and mercy could seem inconsistent to some readers.