Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:1-2
This verse speaks of God bringing punishment upon the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep, which contrasts with the divine care and gathering of the flock in Ezekiel 34:16.
Jeremiah 23:1-2: Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.
Contradiction with Matthew 23:37
Here, Jesus laments over Jerusalem for rejecting Him and as a result, they are not gathered, contradicting the gathering image in Ezekiel 34:16.
Matthew 23:37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!
Contradiction with Jeremiah 21:5
God mentions fighting against His people in anger, contrary to the promise of seeking and healing in Ezekiel 34:16.
Jeremiah 21:5: And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.
Contradiction with Hosea 4:6
This verse states that people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, contrasting with the restorative action in Ezekiel 34:16.
Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. [destroyed: Heb. cut off]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 6:30
In this verse, people are rejected as reprobate silver, opposing the acceptance and gathering mentioned in Ezekiel 34:16.
Jeremiah 6:30: Reprobate silver shall [men] call them, because the LORD hath rejected them. [Reprobate...: or, Refuse silver]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction or inconsistency with Ezekiel 34:16 might arise when comparing it to passages emphasizing personal responsibility and judgment in other parts of the Bible. While this verse highlights God's compassion and active role in seeking and caring for His people, other scriptures underscore the need for individuals to face consequences for their actions. Balancing God’s mercy with justice could be seen as inconsistent by some readers. However, many theological interpretations find harmony between these attributes.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 34:16 talks about God caring for His flock and seeking out the lost, while bringing justice by dealing with those who have harmed them. A possible contradiction or debate might arise when compared to other parts of the Bible that describe God's treatment of enemies or justice differently, such as harsh punishments or different criteria for judgment. This could lead to discussions about the nature of God's justice and mercy.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 34:16 speaks of caring for and seeking out those who are lost, injured, or weak. A potential contradiction could arise if this message is compared to verses or narratives in the Bible that describe violent actions or punishments towards certain groups or individuals, leading to a conflict between the idea of compassion and care versus judgment and retribution. This could be seen as inconsistent if the same expectations of care and kindness are not applied universally to all groups within biblical texts.