Contradiction with Proverbs 8:17
While Hosea 5:6 suggests God will withdraw from those seeking Him due to their sin, Proverbs 8:17 states that God loves those who love Him and those who seek Him early shall find Him, implying availability to seekers.
Proverbs 8:17: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:13
Hosea 5:6 indicates a time when seekers will not find God because of their transgressions, whereas Jeremiah 29:13 promises that seekers will find God when they search with all their heart.
Jeremiah 29:13: And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Contradiction with James 4:8
Hosea 5:6 shows God hiding from seekers, but James 4:8 encourages people to draw near to God with the assurance that He will draw near to them, suggesting His accessibility.
James 4:8: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:7
In contrast to Hosea 5:6 where God is elusive, Matthew 7:7 encourages continued seeking with the promise that seekers will find, implying God's presence is attainable.
Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:6
Hosea 5:6 depicts a situation where God is not found by seekers, while Isaiah 55:6 advises seeking the Lord while He may be found, indicating that there are indeed times when He is accessible to seekers.
Isaiah 55:6: Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Paradox #1
Hosea 5:6 describes people seeking God but not finding Him because He has withdrawn. The contradiction could be the idea of a loving and ever-present God choosing to hide from people who are actively seeking Him. This may seem inconsistent with the belief that God is always available to those who genuinely seek Him.