Contradiction with Exodus 34:7
Nehemiah 9:17 emphasizes God's mercy and slowness to anger, yet Exodus 34:7 speaks of God punishing generations for the sins of the fathers, implying a limit to His forbearance.
Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
This verse also stresses God's justice in not clearing the guilty, contrasting with Nehemiah 9:17's focus on forgiveness and mercy.
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 Nahum 1:3
While Nehemiah 9:17 describes God as patient and forgiving, Nahum 1:3 states that the Lord will not acquit the wicked, highlighting His attribute of justice.
Nahum 1:3: The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.
Contradiction with Exodus 22:24
Nehemiah 9:17 talks about God's patience and forgiveness, in contrast, this verse illustrates God's wrath and punishment by killing.
Exodus 22:24: And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 30:11
This verse, while acknowledging God's mercy, emphasizes His punishment and discipline, providing a contrast to the forgiving nature described in Nehemiah 9:17.
Jeremiah 30:11: For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.
Paradox #1
Nehemiah 9:17 might present a contradiction or inconsistency related to the portrayal of the Israelites' attitude towards God's commands and their recurring disobedience across different biblical accounts. While this verse emphasizes God's forgiveness and mercy despite their rebellion, other parts of the Bible might show the consequences the Israelites faced for their disobedience, such as punishment or exile, creating a tension between the notions of forgiveness and justice.
Paradox #2
Nehemiah 9:17 talks about forgiveness and God's mercy, even though people were rebellious. The contradiction might be seen in the idea that people continue to disobey or do wrong because they rely on forgiveness, which could be viewed as encouraging repeated bad behavior without consequences. This could conflict with the notion of justice, where actions should have appropriate repercussions.