Jeremiah 26:12 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Jeremiah, God told him to tell the leaders and the people that something bad would happen to their city because they were not listening to God. Jeremiah was doing what God asked him and telling them this important message.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 1:7

While Jeremiah 26:12 shows Jeremiah defending his prophetic actions, Jeremiah 1:7 highlights God's assurance to Jeremiah not to fear, suggesting Jeremiah need not justify his actions.

Jeremiah 1:7: But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Contradiction with Isaiah 6:9-10

Jeremiah 26:12 presents Jeremiah speaking for God to influence the people, whereas Isaiah 6:9-10 indicates that people's hearts are hardened, suggesting prophecy might not effect change.

Isaiah 6:9-10: And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. [indeed, but understand: or, without ceasing, etc: Heb. in hearing, etc]

Contradiction with Ezekiel 3:27

In Jeremiah 26:12, Jeremiah directly confronts the people with his message, while Ezekiel 3:27 outlines that the prophet should speak if God opens their mouth, suggesting the message delivery is more divine-controlled.

Ezekiel 3:27: But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Contradiction with Jonah 1:3

In Jeremiah 26:12, Jeremiah stands firm to deliver God’s message, contrasting Jonah, who initially fled, indicating prophets might not always be willing or confrontational.

Jonah 1:3: But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Contradiction with Amos 7:14-15

Jeremiah defends his prophecies in 26:12, yet Amos declares his divine calling without need for defense or confrontation, suggesting a different approach to opposition.

Amos 7:14-15: Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I [was] no prophet, neither [was] I a prophet's son; but I [was] an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: [sycomore...: or, wild figs]

Contradiction with 1 Kings 22:14

Unlike Jeremiah 26:12, where Jeremiah defends past actions, Micaiah in 1 Kings 22:14 implies an unyielding commitment to only speak what God says without retrospective defense.