Contradiction with Exodus 32:14
This verse mentions the Lord repenting from the evil He thought to do unto His people, which may contradict the implication in Psalms 106:23 that Moses’ intervention was solely decisive.
Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that the soul that sins shall die, which could contradict the idea in Psalms 106:23 of collective punishment being averted by an individual's intercession.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:16
In this verse, God instructs not to pray for the people because He won’t hear, which contrasts with Psalms 106:23 showing God would destroy without Moses’ plea.
Jeremiah 7:16: Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.
Contradiction with Numbers 23:19
This verse highlights that God does not change His mind like humans, which might seem at odds with Psalms 106:23 suggesting God’s planned action was altered.
Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Contradiction with Genesis 18:23-32
Here, Abraham negotiates with God to spare Sodom if righteous people are found, which shows a different negotiation dynamic compared to Moses’ intercession in Psalms 106:23.
Genesis 18:23-32: And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 9:14
God directs Moses to let Him destroy the people, suggesting God’s determined intent, contrasting with the portrayal in Psalms 106:23 where Moses' plea prevents destruction.
Deuteronomy 9:14: Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency might arise when considering that in some parts of the Bible God is depicted as unchangeable and omniscient, knowing what will happen and having a plan (like in Malachi 3:6 or James 1:17). However, in this verse, it is suggested that God was persuaded not to act in a certain way by the intercession of a human, Moses. This could create a tension between the idea of an unchanging God and the depiction of God being influenced by human action.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction might arise from the idea of God's decision-making and Moses' role. Some interpretations might see a conflict between the concept of God being unchangeable and the suggestion that Moses' plea influenced God's decision. However, others might see it as an example of intercessory prayer and relationship with God.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Psalms 106:23 could involve differences between the account of Moses interceding for the Israelites and other retellings of the same event in different parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus or Deuteronomy. These differences might include variations in emphasis or details about God's anger and Moses' role, leading to questions about consistency in the narrative.