Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse advises to love your enemies and bless them, which contradicts the destruction and judgment conveyed in Ezekiel 35:4.
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 Romans 12:19
This verse teaches not to seek vengeance, leaving it to God's wrath, which contrasts with the active destruction laid out in Ezekiel 35:4.
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.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
This verse instructs to do good to those who hate you, opposing the message of desolation in Ezekiel 35:4.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
This verse suggests not to rejoice in the downfall of enemies, contradictory to the context of punishment in Ezekiel 35:4.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
This verse emphasizes that God is love, which contrasts with the depiction of judgment and destruction in Ezekiel 35:4.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Ezekiel 35:4 could be related to the tension between God's justice and mercy. On one hand, the verse reflects God's judgment and destruction, which raises questions about God's nature as loving and forgiving. Balancing divine justice with divine mercy can be challenging when interpreting such passages.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 35:4 talks about destruction and desolation as a form of judgment. The contradiction or conflict could be about the idea of punishment and retaliation. Some might see a moral inconsistency in how a message of love and forgiveness in other parts of the Bible aligns with acts of destruction and harsh judgment. This raises questions about justice versus mercy.