Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:5-6
These verses predict a king from David's lineage will reign and execute justice, rather than focusing on a singular shepherd.
Jeremiah 23:5-6: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 37:24
Mentions David as king, implying a ruler rather than just a shepherd, which contrasts with only referring to a shepherd role.
Ezekiel 37:24: And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
Contradiction with Isaiah 9:6-7
These predict the reign of a divine ruler rather than a shepherd, indicating a different type of leadership and governance.
Isaiah 9:6-7: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Contradiction with Hosea 3:5
Suggests that the people will seek David as king, again emphasizing a royal role, not just a shepherd one.
Hosea 3:5: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.
Contradiction with Revelation 7:17
Describes the Lamb shepherding, suggesting a non-human pastoral role, differing from a human Davidic successor as shepherd.
Revelation 7:17: For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 34:23 speaks about God appointing one shepherd over His people, specifically referring to "my servant David." Some may see a contradiction here because David had been dead for centuries at the time of Ezekiel. This could create confusion about whether it's literally David or a prophetic reference to a future leader or the Messiah. The perceived inconsistency lies in understanding how this promise is fulfilled.
Paradox #2
The verse mentions David as a shepherd, which could be seen as inconsistent since it was written long after David's death. Some might see this as a contradiction if taken literally, but often it is understood as a reference to a future leader like David, or symbolic of the Messiah.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 34:23 may seem contradictory because it refers to a future leader named David, even though King David had already passed away long before. Some people interpret this as a reference to someone from David's lineage rather than David himself, which could lead to differing understandings of the text.