Contradiction with Matthew 22:32
Hebrews 7:9 argues Levi paid tithes through Abraham, implying his actions were in agreement, whereas Matthew 22:32 refers to God being the God of the living, not the dead, suggesting independence of the living from ancestors' deeds.
Matthew 22:32: And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:1
Hebrews 7:9 implies subservience through ancestral action, while Galatians 5:1 emphasizes liberty and freedom from bondage.
Galatians 5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Hebrews 7:9 implies Levi's actions were determined by Abraham's, but Ezekiel 18:20 asserts individuals bear their own consequences and not those of their ancestors.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Romans 14:12
Hebrews 7:9 suggests communal responsibility through Abraham, while Romans 14:12 emphasizes individual accountability before God.
Romans 14:12: So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
Hebrews 7:9 indicates Levi’s participation in Abraham’s actions, contrasted with Deuteronomy 24:16 which states children should not be punished for their parents' sins.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Paradox #1
The theological conflict in Hebrews 7:9 could be related to the idea of Levi, who wasn't born yet, paying tithes through Abraham. This may seem contradictory because Levi was several generations away from Abraham and not alive at the time. This raises questions about how someone can act or be credited for actions before their birth, challenging the usual understanding of personal responsibility and actions.
Paradox #2
Hebrews 7:9 suggests that Levi, who collects tithes, paid tithes through Abraham. Some people feel this might conflict with the idea that each person is responsible for their own actions, rather than being accountable for the actions of their ancestors. However, this example is used to explain the greatness of Melchizedek, so it may not be intended as a literal statement about actions and responsibility.
Paradox #3
Hebrews 7:9 suggests that Levi paid tithes through Abraham, despite Levi not being born yet. The contradiction or inconsistency here is the notion that someone who exists only in the future (Levi) could have participated in an action (paying tithes) before they were alive. This challenges a straightforward understanding of lineage and temporal actions.