Contradiction with Hosea 11:1
While Hosea 13:1 speaks of Ephraim's exaltation and subsequent sin, Hosea 11:1 reflects on Israel as God's beloved child, emphasizing a different kind of relationship.
Hosea 11:1: When Israel [was] a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Hosea 13:1 attributes Ephraim's downfall to sin, whereas Ezekiel 18:20 states that individuals are responsible for their own sin, focusing on personal accountability rather than collective consequence.
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 Jeremiah 31:20
In Hosea 13:1, Ephraim is portrayed negatively due to their idolatry, while Jeremiah 31:20 highlights God's mercy and yearning for Ephraim, presenting a compassionate perspective.
Jeremiah 31:20: [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. [are...: Heb. sound]
Contradiction with Isaiah 54:7-8
While Hosea 13:1 emphasizes judgment due to sin, Isaiah 54:7-8 underscores God's temporary anger followed by everlasting kindness, contrasting the permanent downfall suggested in Hosea.
Isaiah 54:7-8: For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
Contradiction with Romans 8:1
Hosea 13:1 hints at condemnation for Ephraim, while Romans 8:1 asserts that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, offering a promise of redemption.
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 Joel 2:13
Hosea 13:1 implies unavoidable consequence for Ephraim's sin, while Joel 2:13 encourages repentance and promises God's gracious and merciful nature, suggesting the possibility of forgiveness.
Joel 2:13: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Paradox #1
Hosea 13:1 talks about the tribe of Ephraim being great and powerful but then falling into sin and losing its status. The potential inconsistency arises when comparing this with verses where God promises to protect and maintain the tribes of Israel despite their wrongdoing. The contradiction lies in God allowing Ephraim to lose power because of sin, even though He is often portrayed as forgiving and sustaining His chosen people.
Paradox #2
Hosea 13:1 discusses the rise and fall of Ephraim due to sin. A potential contradiction could arise when comparing this to the concept of forgiveness in other parts of the Bible. While Hosea mentions downfall due to sin, other verses emphasize God's forgiveness and redemption, which might seem inconsistent with the idea of irreversible punishment.