Contradiction with Jeremiah 3:1
This verse speaks of mercy and forgiveness, suggesting a willingness to accept an unfaithful partner back, contrasting Hosea 2:2's call for a legal separation or rejection.
Jeremiah 3:1: They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD. [They say: Heb. Saying]
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:18
Here, God offers an invitation to reason together and promises cleansing, in contrast to the tone of accusation and judgment in Hosea 2:2.
Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Contradiction with Matthew 18:21-22
This passage emphasizes forgiveness up to seventy times seven times, conflicting with Hosea 2:2's theme of bringing charges and separation.
Matthew 18:21-22: Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Contradiction with John 8:11
The woman caught in adultery is not condemned, contrasting with Hosea 2:2's call to put away adulterous behavior.
John 8:11: She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Contradiction with Ephesians 5:25-26
This outlines the husband’s duty to love and sanctify his wife, which appears in opposition to Hosea 2:2's portrayal of a broken marital relationship.
Ephesians 5:25-26: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Paradox #1
Hosea 2:2 talks about confronting unfaithfulness in a relationship, using the metaphor of a marriage. Some might see a contradiction with other parts of the Bible that emphasize forgiveness and reconciliation, such as teachings of Jesus on forgiveness and turning the other cheek. The tension here is between holding someone accountable versus offering forgiveness and a chance to reconcile.
Paradox #2
Hosea 2:2 presents a conflict in terms of loyalty and relationships. The verse uses the metaphor of a broken marriage to describe the unfaithfulness of the people. The contradiction could be seen in the harshness of the language used, which might seem at odds with the themes of forgiveness and mercy that are also present in other parts of the Bible. This can create tension between the strictness of justice and the kindness of mercy.