Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
Jonah 3:10 demonstrates God's willingness to repent of the planned punishment upon Nineveh when they turned from their evil ways, conflicting with Nahum 1:9's assertion that affliction will not arise a second time, which implies finality in judgement.
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 Jeremiah 18:7-8
These verses contradict Nahum 1:9 by showing that God may change His mind about bringing disaster if a nation repents, suggesting an openness to modification of decree rather than absolute finality.
Jeremiah 18:7-8: [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];
Contradiction with Exodus 32:14
This verse shows God repenting of the evil He thought to do unto His people, suggesting God's decisions about judgment can be reversible, unlike the finality implied in Nahum 1:9.
Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 7:14
The promise to heal the land if people turn from their wicked ways contrasts with Nahum 1:9, which suggests no second chance or change once judgment is determined.
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 Ezekiel 18:21-22
God offers forgiveness and the erasure of past sins if the wicked repent, which contradicts the unchangeable final judgment tone in Nahum 1:9.
Ezekiel 18:21-22: 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
Here, God is depicted as willing to forgive abundantly, which seems to suggest there is potential for change, opposing the implication in Nahum 1:9 of no relenting.
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
Nahum 1:9 speaks about God's power to bring an end to His enemies and that they cannot rise again. Some might see a contradiction when comparing this to other parts of the Bible that talk about God being patient and forgiving, offering multiple chances for repentance. The inconsistency arises when trying to reconcile a final judgment without a second chance with the message of grace and redemption seen elsewhere.
Paradox #2
Nahum 1:9 talks about how God will completely and finally deal with enemies, implying there's no second chance once judgment is made. The contradiction here could be the idea of an all-loving God not providing opportunities for redemption or forgiveness after judgment. In other parts of the Bible, forgiveness and mercy are highlighted, which may seem inconsistent with a final, unchangeable punishment.