Contradiction with Exodus 32:27-28
These verses describe God commanding the Levites to slay their fellow Israelites, which contrasts with Ezekiel 33:11 where God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.
Exodus 32:27-28: And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, [and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3
God commands Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including men, women, and children, which opposes the desire in Ezekiel 33:11 for the wicked to turn from their ways and live.
1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 9:3-5
God promises to destroy nations before the Israelites, which contrasts with the message of seeking the wicked's repentance in Ezekiel 33:11.
Deuteronomy 9:3-5: Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God [is] he which goeth over before thee; [as] a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.
Contradiction with Psalm 2:9
This verse speaks of breaking nations with a rod of iron, indicating a pleasure in judgement, which contradicts the sentiment of Ezekiel 33:11.
Psalm 2:9: Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Contradiction with Joshua 6:21
The complete destruction of Jericho, including its inhabitants, contradicts the idea that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked as seen in Ezekiel 33:11.
Joshua 6:21: And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.
Contradiction with Numbers 31:17
The command to kill male children and non-virgin women does not align with Ezekiel 33:11, where God desires that the wicked turn from their evil ways and live.
Numbers 31:17: Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. [him: Heb. a male]
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 33:11 might be seen as morally contradictory or inconsistent when comparing it to other parts of the Bible that describe God's judgment and punishment. In this verse, God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather wants them to turn from their evil ways and live. However, other passages describe God enacting punishment and destruction upon those who do wrong, which can seem conflicting with the message of desiring repentance over punishment. This contrast raises questions about the consistency of God's character concerning justice and mercy.