Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:21
This verse states that if the wicked person turns from their sins and follows God, they will live, contradicting Nahum 1:14 which speaks of a decree against the perpetuation of a wicked name.
Ezekiel 18:21: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
It suggests that the wicked can forsake their ways and be pardoned by God, opposing the notion in Nahum 1:14 of a determined end to a specific line.
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]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 7:14
Promises healing and forgiveness if people repent, clashing with the irrevocable nature of the judgment in Nahum 1:14.
2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. [which...: Heb. upon whom my name is called]
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
Describes God relenting from destroying Nineveh when they repented, which contradicts the finality of destruction in Nahum 1:14.
Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.
Contradiction with Lamentations 3:22
Emphasizes the steadfast love and mercies of the Lord, which are seemingly absent in the irreversible judgment of Nahum 1:14.
Lamentations 3:22: [It is of] the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
States God desires all men to be saved, which contrasts with the permanent blotting out mentioned in Nahum 1:14.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11
Declares God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, wanting them to turn from their ways, which opposes the decree in Nahum 1:14.
Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Paradox #1
Nahum 1:14 could be seen as contradictory to other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's mercy and forgiveness. This verse foretells the complete end of a people without hope for redemption, which may seem inconsistent with the idea that God offers second chances and opportunities for repentance throughout Scripture.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or inconsistency could be related to the theme of judgment in Nahum 1:14 compared to other biblical themes of forgiveness and mercy. While Nahum emphasizes destruction and the end of a lineage as a form of divine justice, other parts of the Bible highlight God's forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. This contrast might seem inconsistent to some readers.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Nahum 1:14 involves the prophecy against Nineveh and the Assyrian empire. Nahum predicts the downfall and complete destruction of Nineveh. However, from a historical perspective, after the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC, there were remnants of the Assyrian people and culture that continued to exist for some time, which may seem inconsistent with the idea of total eradication. Additionally, the Assyrian influence persisted even beyond the physical destruction of the city.
Paradox #4
Nahum 1:14 presents a message of destruction specifically towards Nineveh, where God declares that the name of the wicked shall be wiped out. The contradiction here might be that, in other parts of the Bible, God is often portrayed as loving and forgiving, offering redemption even to those who have sinned. This verse, however, conveys a message of judgment and finality without room for forgiveness or repentance. The inconsistency lies in reconciling the notions of divine justice and mercy.