Contradiction with Exodus 23:25
While Ezekiel 5:12 speaks of destruction as a consequence of disobedience, Exodus 23:25 promises blessings and health for obedience.
Exodus 23:25: And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
Ezekiel 5:12 details a plan of judgment, whereas Jeremiah 29:11 talks about God's plans for prosperity and hope.
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 Psalm 91:10
Ezekiel 5:12 describes calamity befalling people, but Psalm 91:10 assures that no evil will befall those under God's protection.
Psalm 91:10: There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Contradiction with Isaiah 54:17
In contrast to the destructive prophecy in Ezekiel 5:12, Isaiah 54:17 promises that no weapon formed against God’s people will prosper.
Isaiah 54:17: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Ezekiel 5:12 involves wrath, but 1 Thessalonians 5:9 states that believers are not destined for wrath.
1 Thessalonians 5:9: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Contradiction with John 3:16
While Ezekiel 5:12 focuses on punishment, John 3:16 emphasizes God's love and promise of eternal life through belief in 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 Romans 8:1
Ezekiel 5:12 mentions condemnation, but Romans 8:1 declares there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1: [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
Ezekiel 5:12 describes a swift judgment, whereas 2 Peter 3:9 highlights God's patience and desire for repentance rather than destruction.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction because Ezekiel 5:12 talks about severe punishment, while other parts of the Bible focus on God's love and mercy. This can seem inconsistent to those who expect God to be only forgiving and kind.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 5:12 involves a prophecy about the people of Jerusalem facing severe consequences, including being divided into thirds for different fates. A contradiction or inconsistency could arise if historical records or other biblical texts do not correspond to such a specific division or outcome occurring in Jerusalem's history, leading to questions about the literal fulfillment of this prophecy.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 5:12 describes a prediction where a certain portion of people will die by plague and famine, another by the sword, and the rest will be scattered. The idea of attributing such outcomes strictly to divine intervention can be seen as conflicting with scientific explanations, which would typically analyze such events through the lens of natural causes, socio-political factors, and historical context rather than attributing them to prophecy or divine will.
Paradox #4
Ezekiel 5:12 talks about severe punishment and destruction as a consequence for wrongdoing. The moral conflict here could be the harshness of the punishment compared to the teachings of forgiveness and mercy found elsewhere in the Bible. It might seem inconsistent to some that a merciful God would allow such extreme consequences.