Contradiction with Deuteronomy 28:1
While Ezekiel 25:4 speaks of enemies possessing the land, Deuteronomy 28:1 promises that obedience to God leads to being set high above all nations.
Deuteronomy 28:1: And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
Ezekiel 25:4 predicts devastation, but Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God having plans to prosper and not to harm.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [expected...: Heb. end and expectation]
Contradiction with Isaiah 54:17
Ezekiel 25:4 talks about enemies claiming the land, whereas Isaiah 54:17 states that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper.
Isaiah 54:17: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.
Contradiction with Psalm 37:11
Ezekiel 25:4 implies domination by foreign nations, but Psalm 37:11 promises the meek shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:11: But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Contradiction with Genesis 22:17
Ezekiel 25:4 mentions being overtaken by enemies, while Genesis 22:17 speaks of descendants possessing the gates of their enemies.
Genesis 22:17: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; [shore: Heb. lip]
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:7
Ezekiel warns of adversaries conquering, but Proverbs 16:7 says that when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Contradiction with Romans 8:31
Ezekiel 25:4 predicts domination by enemies, whereas Romans 8:31 asserts that if God is for us, no one can be against us.
Romans 8:31: What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
Ezekiel speaks of impending conquest, while Isaiah 41:10 reassures that God will strengthen and help, discouraging fear of being overtaken.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Ezekiel 25:4 can be seen in the context of divine punishment. On one hand, the Bible often emphasizes love, forgiveness, and mercy. However, this verse involves God punishing entire nations for their wrongdoings, which can appear inconsistent with the idea of a merciful and forgiving deity. Some people might see a conflict between punishment and the values of forgiveness and unconditional love.