Contradiction with Jonah 2:1
Jonah prays to God from inside the fish, contrary to the proclamation of fasting and distress shown in Jonah 3:7 where prayer and fasting were called for on dry land.
Jonah 2:1: Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,
Contradiction with Jonah 1:3
Jonah flees from God's command whereas Jonah 3:7 depicts a city in compliance with a divine directive.
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 Jonah 4:1
Jonah's displeasure contrasts with the city's obedience to God's will in Jonah 3:7.
Jonah 4:1: But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.
Contradiction with Jonah 4:11
God emphasizes mercy for Nineveh's many people, unlike the stern proclamation of a fast and serious repentance in Jonah 3:7.
Jonah 4:11: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and [also] much cattle?
Contradiction with Jonah 1:12
Jonah suggests being thrown into the sea to calm the storm, a direct action in opposition to the collective fasting response requested in Jonah 3:7.
Jonah 1:12: And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest [is] upon you.
Paradox #1
The scientific inconsistency in that verse could be seen in the idea of animals wearing sackcloth and participating in a fast. In reality, animals do not understand human rituals or wear clothing, so expecting them to participate in a fast or wear sackcloth in a meaningful way contradicts our understanding of animal behavior and biology.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Jonah 3:7 could be the idea that a decree calling for fasting and wearing sackcloth, even by animals, may seem excessive or inconsistent with the typical expectations of human responsibility and repentance. It might be viewed as contradictory because animals are not moral agents and incapable of repentance, yet they are included in the punishment and ritual actions meant for moral beings. This could raise questions about the fairness or necessity of including animals in such religious practices.