Contradiction with James 1:13
Nahum 1:3 states that "The LORD is slow to anger," implying God's patience, whereas James 1:13 notes that God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man, suggesting a fundamental difference in the perception of divine involvement in human affairs.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7
Nahum 1:3 emphasizes God's power and slowness to anger, but this verse highlights the balance of God's mercy and justice, potentially contradicting the depiction of God primarily as a force of retributive power.
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 Psalm 103:8
This verse supports Nahum 1:3 in saying the LORD is slow to anger, but it emphasizes mercy and forgiveness, which may contrast with the latter part of Nahum 1:3 that suggests a theme of divine retribution.
Psalm 103:8: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
Similar to Psalm 103:8, while this verse reaffirms God's patience, it details the visiting of iniquity on subsequent generations, presenting a more complex view of divine justice compared to the straightforward message of eventual punishment in Nahum 1:3.
Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:8
This verse shows that if a nation against which God has pronounced judgment repents, He will relent, which contrasts with the deterministic tone of Nahum 1:3 regarding the certainty of divine retribution.
Jeremiah 18:8: If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
Paradox #1
Nahum 1:3 discusses God's patience and power, as well as His ability to punish wrongdoing. A potential contradiction might arise when comparing this with verses that emphasize God's mercy and forgiveness. Some might see a conflict between the idea of God being both slow to anger and yet willing to punish. However, many theologians interpret this as a balance between justice and mercy, without seeing it as a true contradiction.
Paradox #2
The possible contradiction in Nahum 1:3 might be concerning God's characteristics. On the one hand, the verse emphasizes God's patience and slowness to anger, and on the other hand, it also mentions His power and willingness to punish the guilty. This can appear inconsistent with other biblical passages where God's immediate wrath or immediate forgiveness is highlighted. It raises questions about how these aspects of God's nature coexist and how they are applied in different situations.
Paradox #3
Nahum 1:3 refers to the Lord having his way in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds being the dust of his feet. Some might argue that this contradicts scientific understanding of natural phenomena being explained by meteorology and physics, rather than divine intervention. However, this is more about interpreting the verse literally versus metaphorically or spiritually, rather than a direct scientific conflict.
Paradox #4
Nahum 1:3 describes God as slow to anger and great in power, but also one who will not leave the guilty unpunished. The contradiction could be seen in the tension between God's patience and eventual punishment. Some might question how God can be both slow to anger and yet still bring about judgment and destruction for wrongdoing, which may seem inconsistent with the idea of a patient and forgiving deity.