Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
While Jeremiah 50:40 describes God's judgment and destruction, Matthew 5:44 encourages love for enemies and doing good to those who persecute you, contradicting the theme of vengeance.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
Jeremiah 50:40 discusses the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, symbolizing judgment, whereas Ezekiel 18:23 emphasizes that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and desires their repentance.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with Jonah 4:2
Jeremiah 50:40 implies irreversible destruction, while Jonah 4:2 recounts God's merciful nature, relenting from sending calamity when people repent.
Jonah 4:2: And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
Contradiction with James 2:13
Jeremiah 50:40 focuses on judgment without mercy, whereas James 2:13 highlights that mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
Jeremiah 50:40 mentions the destruction of places like Sodom and Gomorrah, which some critics argue is inconsistent with historical and archaeological evidence. While the Bible describes these cities as being completely destroyed, there is limited archaeological evidence to definitively confirm such an event at those specific sites. This creates tension between the biblical narrative and the historical record.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 50:40 could present a moral conflict for some people because it describes a destructive outcome as an act of divine judgment. This might be seen as inconsistent with the idea of a loving and forgiving God. The tension arises between justice and mercy in the depiction of divine actions. However, interpretations vary widely, and the verse may not pose a conflict for everyone.