Contradiction with Colossians 2:16-17
These verses state that Christians should not let anyone judge them regarding Sabbath days, implying ongoing observance is not essential, contradicting the cessation of festivals in Hosea 2:11.
Colossians 2:16-17: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]
Contradiction with Romans 14:5
This verse highlights personal freedom in observing special days, suggesting individual choice, unlike the blanket removal of festivals in Hosea 2:11.
Romans 14:5: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [fully persuaded: or, fully assured]
Contradiction with Galatians 4:10-11
Paul criticizes observing religious festivals and special days, implying they may not be necessary for Christians, contrary to the elimination of such observances in Hosea 2:11.
Galatians 4:10-11: Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:17
Jesus declares he has not come to abolish the Law, which includes festivals, contradicting the cessation of observances in Hosea 2:11.
Matthew 5:17: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:13-14
God expresses displeasure with Israel's festivals, which could suggest that He wants them to end independently of punishment, contrasting with the punishment-driven cessation in Hosea 2:11.
Isaiah 1:13-14: Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [iniquity: or, grief]
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-23
God rejects Israel's feasts as being distasteful, suggesting they may not be inherently valuable, as opposed to being removed as a consequence in Hosea 2:11.
Amos 5:21-23: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Paradox #1
Hosea 2:11 is sometimes seen as a contradiction because it speaks about ending religious celebrations or festivals that were initially instituted by God in other parts of the Bible, such as the Sabbath, New Moons, and feast days. This can seem inconsistent because, elsewhere in the Bible, these observances are commanded by God and celebrated by His people. The conflict arises in understanding why God would now disapprove of these observances. The resolution often lies in interpreting the verse as a critique of how these observances were being practiced superficially or as part of idolatrous behavior, rather than being celebrated in true worship and devotion.
Paradox #2
Hosea 2:11 mentions God taking away celebrations and festivals, which might seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible where God establishes or approves of feasts and religious festivals, such as in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where Israelites are commanded to observe these festivals. This could appear inconsistent, as one part of the Bible emphasizes celebrating these events, while this verse speaks of stopping them. The context, however, clarifies that the celebrations are being removed as a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness, rather than negating the value of the festivals themselves.
Paradox #3
Hosea 2:11 talks about taking away celebrations and festivals as a form of punishment. The contradiction or conflict might lie in the idea that religious celebrations, which are meant to honor and connect with God, could be used as tools of punishment. This could seem inconsistent with the notion of a loving deity who encourages worship and community through celebrations.