Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:30
While Ezekiel 29:4 describes God's judgment on Egypt, 1 Kings 8:30 shows God as a listener and forgiver, highlighting mercy rather than punishment.
1 Kings 8:30: And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive. [toward this place: or, in this place]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
Ezekiel 29:4 depicts destruction and capture, whereas Jeremiah 29:11 promises a hopeful and prosperous future.
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 John 3:16
Ezekiel 29:4 involves God's judgment and capture, contrasting with John 3:16's message of salvation and love through Christ.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
Ezekiel 29:4 talks about catching and scattering Egypt, while Isaiah 55:7 invites the wicked to return to God for mercy and pardon.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Ezekiel 29:4 involves God’s judgment on His enemies, while Matthew 5:44 advocates love and prayer for one's enemies.
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 Psalm 103:8
Ezekiel 29:4 shows a side of God executing judgment, whereas Psalm 103:8 highlights God's slow anger and abundant mercy.
Psalm 103:8: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Ezekiel 29:4 shows God actively taking revenge, while Romans 12:19 advises believers to leave vengeance to God, viewing it as His exclusive right.
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.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 29:4 talks about God putting hooks in the jaws of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and bringing him out with all his fish. A contradiction or inconsistency might be the lack of direct historical evidence or records outside the Bible that describe an event where the Pharaoh was humiliated or captured in a manner that perfectly fits this description. Ancient Egyptian records typically do not document defeats or humiliations in detail, which can make it difficult to find corroborating evidence for some such biblical accounts.
Paradox #2
The contradiction could be related to the image of a fish surviving on the open land. Fish need water to live, so pulling them out of the river and having them stick to something on land is inconsistent with what we know about how fish survive.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Ezekiel 29:4 could be the depiction of God causing harm to creatures as part of a punishment. This could conflict with views of God as wholly benevolent and loving, as it involves orchestrating suffering.