Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
This verse suggests that God does not take pleasure in the punishment of the wicked, contradicting the notion of increased punishment in Leviticus 26:18.
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 Jeremiah 31:34
This verse speaks of God's forgiveness and forgetting of sins, which contrasts with Leviticus 26:18's emphasis on continued punishment.
Jeremiah 31:34: And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:7
This verse highlights mercy being rewarded, which contrasts with the idea of more severe punishment for disobedience in Leviticus 26:18.
Matthew 5:7: Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Contradiction with Psalm 103:10
This verse mentions God not dealing with us according to our sins, contradicting the incremental punishment described in Leviticus 26:18.
Psalm 103:10: He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse states that mercy triumphs over judgment, countering the idea of increasingly harsh punishment mentioned in Leviticus 26:18.
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
Leviticus 26:18 speaks about God's punishment if the people do not obey His commandments. Theological conflict might arise when comparing this with New Testament teachings about grace and forgiveness, where emphasis is placed on God's mercy rather than punishment. The tension between justice and mercy can create a perceived inconsistency in how God's nature and actions are understood.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 26:18 discusses consequences for disobedience, which might seem morally inconsistent with the idea of a loving and forgiving deity. It may appear contradictory to some that punishment is emphasized over forgiveness and second chances.