Contradiction with Jeremiah 1:5
Jeremiah 1:5 emphasizes that God knows and ordains His prophets even before they are formed in the womb, which suggests intentional selection and sending by God, whereas Jeremiah 23:21 states that some prophets were not sent or spoken to by God.
Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. [ordained: Heb. gave]
Contradiction with Amos 3:7
Amos 3:7 suggests that God reveals His plans to His prophets, indicating that true prophets are divinely informed, contrasting with Jeremiah 23:21 where prophets speak without divine instruction.
Amos 3:7: Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Contradiction with Numbers 12:6
Numbers 12:6 indicates God communicates with prophets through visions or dreams, suggesting divine confirmation, opposed to Jeremiah 23:21 where God did not communicate with certain prophets.
Numbers 12:6: And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:18
Deuteronomy 18:18 emphasizes that God will put His words in the mouth of His chosen prophet, contrasting with Jeremiah 23:21 where prophets speak without God's command.
Deuteronomy 18:18: I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
Contradiction with Hebrews 1:1
Hebrews 1:1 indicates God spoke to the forefathers through prophets at various times, implying divine communication, which contrasts with prophets who were not spoken to by God in Jeremiah 23:21.
Hebrews 1:1: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Paradox #1
Jeremiah 23:21 might seem to conflict with the idea that all prophets are divinely appointed, as it speaks about prophets acting without God's command. This could be seen as inconsistent with the belief that God directly guides all true prophets.
Paradox #2
This verse highlights the issue of false prophets who claim to speak for God without being sent by Him. A potential doctrinal conflict arises when comparing this with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of discernment and testing the spirits to determine true prophecy from falsehood. This implies a need for believers to be vigilant in ensuring that teachings and prophecies are genuinely from God, which can lead to differing interpretations of authority and authenticity in religious teachings.
Paradox #3
Jeremiah 23:21 is a verse where God, through the prophet Jeremiah, claims that there are false prophets who are speaking without His authority. The contradiction or conflict here could arise when comparing this with other parts of the Bible that emphasize following the words of prophets. If a prophet can truly be false, it raises questions about how people at that time could confidently discern which prophets were speaking the truth, potentially leading to confusion or conflict about whose messages should be followed.