Nahum 3:6 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Nahum, God is telling a city that has done wrong things that He will make them very dirty and embarrassed so everyone can see they've been bad. This means God is showing people the consequences of their bad actions.

Contradiction with Isaiah 1:18

Contradicts Nahum 3:6 by emphasizing purification and forgiveness of sins as opposed to Nahum's imagery of defilement.

Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Contradiction with John 3:16

Offers a message of love and salvation through Jesus, contradicting the condemnation and shame in Nahum 3:6.

John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32

Highlights God's desire for repentance and life rather than destruction and disgrace.

Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]

Contradiction with Psalm 103:12

Speaks of the removal and forgiveness of sin, opposing the disgrace spoken of in Nahum 3:6.

Psalm 103:12: As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Contradiction with Romans 8:1

States there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, contrary to the depiction of shame and exposure in Nahum 3:6.

Romans 8:1: [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Paradox #1

Nahum 3:6 talks about God shaming a city for its wrongdoing. A possible contradiction could be with verses that describe God as loving and merciful, like in the New Testament where God is portrayed as forgiving and compassionate. This might seem inconsistent with the idea of publicly shaming or punishing.

Paradox #2

Nahum 3:6 involves God expressing intention to punish and humiliate a city. A contradiction or conflict might arise for some people when comparing this to teachings of forgiveness and love elsewhere in the Bible. It might seem inconsistent to reconcile a God who punishes harshly with teachings about mercy and compassion.