Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
This verse describes a time of peace where swords are beaten into plowshares, contradicting the warlike imagery of being a weapon in Jeremiah 51:20.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:9
This verse extols peace, calling peacemakers blessed, which contrasts with being a tool of destruction in Jeremiah 51:20.
Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Contradiction with Romans 12:18
This verse encourages living peaceably with all men, contradicting the notion of being an instrument of war in Jeremiah 51:20.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
This verse advises against the use of the sword, stating those who take it will perish by it, contradicting the empowerment to break nations in Jeremiah 51:20.
Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Contradiction with James 3:18
This verse speaks of sowing peace, contrasting with Jeremiah 51:20’s representation as a tool of war and destruction.
James 3:18: And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Paradox #1
The conflict in that verse arises from the depiction of God using people for destructive purposes, which might seem inconsistent with the teachings of peace and love found in other parts of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament where forgiveness and turning the other cheek are emphasized. This can raise questions about the nature of God's actions and intent.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 51:20 could be seen as contradictory or inconsistent with the New Testament teachings of peace and non-violence. While the verse depicts destruction and war, teachings of Jesus emphasize love for enemies and turning the other cheek. This contrast between Old Testament imagery of God's judgment through warfare and New Testament messages of forgiveness could be seen as a point of tension.
Paradox #3
The verse depicts a metaphor of a person or entity being used as a powerful tool or weapon to destroy nations and kingdoms. The scientific inconsistency here could be the concept of a single being acting as a literal force capable of widespread physical destruction, contradicting our understanding of the physical limitations of individuals or objects. Such an interpretation does not align with the principles of physics and human ability as we know them.
Paradox #4
Jeremiah 51:20 might present a contradiction because it describes a person or entity as a tool for destruction, which can conflict with teachings about peace and love. On one hand, the Bible promotes messages of love and forgiveness, but on the other hand, this verse talks about being an instrument of war and destruction. This might seem inconsistent with the general teachings about compassion and non-violence.