Contradiction with Psalms 44:9-10
This verse contradicts Psalms 78:9 as it speaks about God not going forth with the armies, leading to defeat, whereas Psalms 78:9 implies an avoidance or failure by the people themselves.
Psalms 44:9-10: But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.
Contradiction with Judges 7:1-2
This passage contradicts Psalms 78:9 by highlighting God's directive to reduce the army to show that victory does not depend on strength, contrasting with the implication of insufficiency or failure of the Ephraimites in Psalms 78:9.
Judges 7:1-2: Then Jerubbaal, who [is] Gideon, and all the people that [were] with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Contradiction with Isaiah 31:1
This verse contradicts Psalms 78:9 by admonishing reliance on military strength and horses, which contrasts the failure attributed to the Ephraimites' not delivering in battle.
Isaiah 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 20:15
This verse contradicts Psalms 78:9 by reminding that the battle is God's, not the people's, suggesting that human actions or failures, such as in Psalms 78:9, are not solely definitive in the battle.
2 Chronicles 20:15: And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency of Psalms 78:9 could be that it mentions the sons of Ephraim as archers who turned back during battle. However, there is no specific historical record in the Bible that explicitly details this event or explains why the tribe of Ephraim is singled out for this criticism, leading to questions about the exact historical context or event being referenced.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in Psalms 78:9 might arise from the idea of being part of a group that is expected to be strong and dependable, yet failing to fulfill those expectations. It highlights a conflict between identity or duty and actual behavior, which can be seen as a failure to live up to moral or communal obligations.