Contradiction with Matthew 5:9
While Ezekiel 21:13 speaks about testing and the unsheathing of a sword, Matthew 5:9 promotes peacemaking.
Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Ezekiel 21:13 discusses testing through violence, whereas Isaiah 2:4 envisions a world where nations do not learn war anymore.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Ezekiel 21:13 portrays judgment through a sword, whereas Romans 12:19 encourages leaving vengeance to God.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Micah 4:3
The concept of testing with a sword in Ezekiel is contradicted by Micah 4:3, which speaks of turning swords into plowshares.
Micah 4:3: And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1
Ezekiel 21:13 involves turmoil and testing, whereas Proverbs 15:1 advocates for a soft answer to turn away wrath.
Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15
While Ezekiel 21:13 involves conflict, 1 Thessalonians 5:15 advises against returning evil for evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:15: See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
Contradiction with James 3:18
Ezekiel depicts a trial through the sword, whereas James 3:18 advocates for peace and righteousness sown in peace.
James 3:18: And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Contradiction with Colossians 3:15
Ezekiel 21:13 describes unrest and division, while Colossians 3:15 calls for the peace of Christ to rule hearts.
Colossians 3:15: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
The testing by conflict in Ezekiel is contradicted by the idea of God fighting while people stand still in Exodus 14:14.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Contradiction with Zechariah 9:10
Ezekiel 21:13's violent imagery contrasts with the vision of peace in Zechariah 9:10 where wars cease.
Zechariah 9:10: And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion [shall be] from sea [even] to sea, and from the river [even] to the ends of the earth.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 21:13 presents a scenario of divine judgment and testing, which some might see as a contradiction because it involves God allowing or causing suffering to test or purify people. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of a loving and compassionate God who seeks to protect and save people. The difficulty comes in understanding why a benevolent deity would use hardship or destruction as a means of achieving divine purposes.