Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
This verse commands the Israelites to completely destroy their enemies and show no mercy, whereas Nahum 3:10 describes the destruction of Thebes and implies God's judgment against such acts of violence.
Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
Contradiction with Isaiah 14:1
Promises restoration and mercy to the house of Jacob, contrasting with the merciless devastation described in Nahum 3:10.
Isaiah 14:1: For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:20
Expresses God's ongoing compassion for Ephraim, which contradicts the scene of abandonment and destruction in Nahum 3:10.
Jeremiah 31:20: [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. [are...: Heb. sound]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Instructs to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, contradicting the vindictive destruction mentioned in Nahum 3:10.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11
Declares that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, contrasting with the implied divine judgment in the destruction of Nahum 3:10.
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 3:10 talks about the destruction and captivity of people, including children, as part of divine judgment. Some might see a contradiction or conflict with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's love, mercy, and protection, especially towards children. This creates tension between God's justice and His compassion.
Paradox #2
Nahum 3:10 talks about the destruction of Thebes, a city in Egypt, and how its people were taken captive. The contradiction or inconsistency could be related to the timeline and details of Thebes’ actual fall. Some records might not fully match the biblical account in terms of when it happened or the extent of the devastation.