Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7
These verses describe God as merciful and forgiving, which contradicts Hosea 4:17 where God does not intervene and lets Ephraim alone with their idols.
Exodus 34:6-7: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
This verse encourages the wicked to forsake their ways and assures them of God’s mercy, contradicting the passive stance in Hosea 4:17.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 7:14
This verse promises healing and forgiveness if the people repent, contrary to Hosea 4:17, where Ephraim is left to their sins without mention of repentance.
2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. [which...: Heb. upon whom my name is called]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:21-22
These verses state that if the wicked turn from their sins, they shall live, which contrasts with God's lack of intervention in Hosea 4:17.
Ezekiel 18:21-22: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 3:12
Here, God invites backsliding Israel to return, contrasting with Hosea 4:17, where there is no call for Ephraim’s return.
Jeremiah 3:12: Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.
Paradox #1
Hosea 4:17 speaks about leaving a tribe because it is joined to idols. Some might see this as inconsistent with other teachings in the Bible that emphasize patience, forgiveness, and efforts to guide people back to the right path. This verse could be seen as advocating abandonment rather than attempting redemption or reconciliation.
Paradox #2
Hosea 4:17 speaks of leaving a certain group alone to their practices. A contradiction could arise if one believes that this implies giving up on persuading others to change harmful behavior, contradicting the idea of helping guide others towards a better path. This can conflict with themes of intervention and support found elsewhere.