Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezekiel 25:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezekiel 25:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezekiel 25:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Ezekiel, God is saying that He will punish the Philistines because they are not following His ways. God wants to show them that He is powerful and in control.

Ezekiel 25:16: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. [sea coast: or, haven of the sea]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse advises loving and praying for enemies, which contradicts the judgment and punishment against the Philistines described in Ezekiel 25:16.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

This verse stresses that vengeance belongs to God and advises against repaying evil for evil, differing from the active retribution described in Ezekiel 25:16.

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 Proverbs 24:17

This verse encourages not to rejoice when your enemy falls, which contrasts with the judgment and destruction in Ezekiel 25:16.

Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15

This verse advises to always pursue what is good for one another and for all people, in contrast to the destruction called upon in Ezekiel 25:16.

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 Luke 6:27

This verse encourages loving your enemies, which contradicts the retribution expressed in Ezekiel 25:16.

Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Contradiction with James 4:12

This verse reminds that there is only one lawgiver and judge, contradicting the narrative of human-led retribution against the Philistines in Ezekiel 25:16.

James 4:12: There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Contradiction with Proverbs 20:22

This verse advises to wait on the Lord for deliverance rather than enacting revenge, differing from the actions described in Ezekiel 25:16.

Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in this verse could be the idea of divine retribution and the violence it entails. On one hand, justice and punishment might be needed for wrongdoing, but on the other hand, the act of inflicting violence can be questioned from a moral standpoint. This raises the issue of whether responding to violence with more violence is justifiable.

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.