Contradiction with Psalms 86:5
This verse states that God is ready to forgive and is abundant in mercy, which contrasts with the plea in Psalms 80:4 questioning God’s prolonged anger against His people.
Psalms 86:5: For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
This verse highlights that God is slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness, contrasting with the depiction of God's enduring anger in Psalms 80:4.
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 Isaiah 54:8
This verse mentions God’s everlasting kindness and momentary anger, differing from the sustained anger suggested in Psalms 80:4.
Isaiah 54:8: In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 9:31
This verse mentions God's great mercies and lack of complete destruction, suggesting a contradiction to the notion of persistent anger in Psalms 80:4.
Nehemiah 9:31: Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou [art] a gracious and merciful God.
Contradiction with Micah 7:18
This verse talks about God's delight in mercy and forgiveness, contrasting with the sense of prolonged displeasure in Psalms 80:4.
Micah 7:18: Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
Contradiction with Joel 2:13
This verse describes God as gracious and merciful, slow to anger, which seems incompatible with the idea of enduring anger as mentioned in Psalms 80:4.
Joel 2:13: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Paradox #1
Psalms 80:4 raises questions about why God, who is often portrayed as loving and compassionate, would be angry with the prayers of His people. This seems inconsistent with the idea of a God who listens and responds to the needs of His followers. This tension might prompt readers to wonder about the conditions under which God chooses to listen or respond to prayers.