Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God having plans to prosper and not harm, while Jeremiah 8:17 speaks of God sending serpents to harm the people.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [expected...: Heb. end and expectation]
Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
Exodus 14:14 mentions the Lord fighting for the people, contrasting with Jeremiah 8:17 where God sends creatures against them.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Contradiction with Psalm 91:13
Psalm 91:13 talks about treading upon snakes without harm, unlike Jeremiah 8:17, which implies snakes will harm the people.
Psalm 91:13: Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. [adder: or, asp]
Contradiction with Luke 10:19
Luke 10:19 grants authority to overcome serpents without being harmed, whereas Jeremiah 8:17 presents serpents as an unavoidable threat.
Luke 10:19: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:16
Matthew 10:16 advises being as shrewd as snakes for self-preservation, differing from Jeremiah 8:17 where snakes signify danger and judgment.
Matthew 10:16: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [harmless: or, simple]
Paradox #1
This verse in Jeremiah talks about God sending snakes to harm people as a form of punishment. Some might find this idea conflicting with the belief that God is loving and merciful. They might struggle with how a loving God could send harm to people, which seems harsh. This can appear inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's love and mercy.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction in the idea of a loving and compassionate God sending harmful creatures as a punishment. This could conflict with the belief that a benevolent God would seek to protect rather than harm. However, interpretations vary widely, and some might see it more as a metaphor or a reflection of justice rather than a contradiction.