Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
This verse says God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, contradicting the uncertainty expressed in Jonah 3:9 about whether God will relent from punishment.
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 2 Peter 3:9
It suggests God is patient and wants everyone to come to repentance, contrasting with the doubt in Jonah 3:9 regarding God’s willingness to forgive.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with James 1:5
Indicates that God gives wisdom generously without finding fault, opposing the fear in Jonah 3:9 of God’s possible unforgiveness.
James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Contradiction with Psalm 86:5
Proclaims that God is forgiving and good to all who call upon Him, which conflicts with the uncertainty in Jonah 3:9 about God's forgiveness.
Psalm 86:5: For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7
Describes God as merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, which contradicts Jonah 3:9’s doubt about God relenting from punishment.
Exodus 34:6-7: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
Encourages the wicked to turn to God, who will have mercy and abundantly pardon, opposing the hesitation in Jonah 3:9 concerning God's compassion.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction or conflict could be related to the idea of God's changeability. In Jonah 3:9, it is suggested that God may change His mind and not bring disaster, which can seem to contrast with other biblical passages that describe God as unchanging or having a fixed plan. This raises questions about God's nature and whether He changes His decisions based on human actions.
Paradox #2
Jonah 3:9 expresses a hope that God might change His mind and show mercy, even after people have done wrong. The moral conflict could be the idea of whether punishment is deserved if there's genuine repentance. Some might argue that justice should be served regardless, while others believe mercy should prevail if there's true change. This can lead to differing views on justice and forgiveness.