Ezekiel 7:3 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Ezekiel, God is very upset with the people for doing bad things and is going to punish them to make them understand their mistakes. He will treat them in a way that matches their wrong actions to teach them a lesson.

Contradiction with Jonah 3:10

God relented from the disaster He had said He would bring upon Nineveh, which contradicts the certainty of judgment in Ezekiel 7:3.

Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

Contradiction with James 2:13

This verse emphasizes mercy over judgment, which contrasts with the definitive judgment described in Ezekiel 7:3.

James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]

Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7

Speaks of God's mercy and forgiveness, contrasting the declared end and judgment in Ezekiel 7:3.

Exodus 34:6-7: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 7:14

Offers a chance for repentance and healing, which conflicts with the inevitable judgment in Ezekiel 7:3.

2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. [which...: Heb. upon whom my name is called]

Contradiction with Lamentations 3:22-23

Highlights God’s unending mercies, conflicting with the announced end in Ezekiel 7:3.

Lamentations 3:22-23: [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:7-8

Describes God’s willingness to change His mind about judgment if people repent, contradicting the finality in Ezekiel 7:3.

Jeremiah 18:7-8: [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];

Paradox #1

The moral conflict in Ezekiel 7:3 could arise from the concept of divine punishment. Some may see a contradiction between a loving and forgiving God and the idea of a God who judges and brings consequences. This might seem inconsistent with messages of mercy found elsewhere in religious teachings.