Contradiction with Judges 2:17
This verse describes how the Israelites did not listen to their judges and went after other gods, contradicting Hosea 11:2 which speaks of God's continued calling to His people despite their disobedience.
Judges 2:17: And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; [but] they did not so.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 35:15
This verse highlights that God sent His servants, the prophets, repeatedly to His people urging them to amend their ways, which conflicts with Hosea 11:2 where God laments that the more He calls, the further they stray.
Jeremiah 35:15: I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.
Paradox #1
Hosea 11:2 might be seen as having a theological inconsistency because it portrays God lamenting over the faithlessness of the Israelites, even as He continues to call them. This could raise questions about the effectiveness or nature of divine calling and human free will, as it suggests that people can consistently reject God's call. This might seem to contradict other parts of the Bible where God's calling is depicted as powerful and transformative. However, interpretations can vary widely, and many theologians find ways to reconcile these ideas.
Paradox #2
Hosea 11:2 might seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible because it talks about God calling people, but they keep moving away and follow other gods. This can seem contradictory to the idea that people are always faithful to God or that God's call always leads people to follow Him, which is emphasized in other scriptures.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Hosea 11:2 might arise from the tension between God's persistent efforts to call His people back and their continued rebellion and disobedience. This could raise questions about free will, divine patience, and the consequences of human actions. Some might wonder how a loving and persistent divine call can coexist with repeated rejection and disobedience from the people.