Contradiction with James 2:13
Emphasizes mercy over judgment, whereas Ezekiel 22:31 reflects God's wrath and judgment without mention of mercy.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, contrasting with the portrayal of divine retribution in Ezekiel 22:31.
Matthew 5:7: Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
God is patient and desires all to repent, differing from the decisive wrath depicted in Ezekiel 22:31.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, contrasting with the execution of judgment seen in Ezekiel 22:31.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with Lamentations 3:33
God does not willingly afflict or grieve, contradicting the depiction of judgment in Ezekiel 22:31.
Lamentations 3:33: For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. [willingly: Heb. from his heart]
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 22:31 talks about God's judgment and pouring out His wrath due to people's sins. Some might see a contradiction or inconsistency with the idea of a loving and forgiving God if they solely focus on this aspect of God's nature. In Christian theology, God is seen as both just and merciful, but passages like this can seem harsh if not considered within the broader context of the Bible, where themes of repentance and forgiveness are also emphasized.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Ezekiel 22:31 could be about the portrayal of a punishing God who acts out of wrath and anger. This might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that emphasize forgiveness, love, and mercy. It raises questions about how justice and compassion are balanced in the text.