Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
Revelation 16:9 describes people refusing to repent despite great suffering, whereas 2 Peter 3:9 speaks of God being patient and not willing that any should perish, implying He desires repentance from all.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Romans 2:4
While Revelation 16:9 shows people not repenting even with harsh judgments, Romans 2:4 suggests that God's kindness leads to repentance, presenting a contrast in methods leading to redemption.
Romans 2:4: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
Revelation 16:9 portrays unrepentance in the face of judgment, whereas Ezekiel 18:23 shows God's preference for people turning from their ways to live, which implies openness to repentance.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with Hebrews 3:12-13
Revelation 16:9 shows hardness of heart during tribulation, but Hebrews 3:12-13 advises against hardening your heart and encourages exhortation to prevent deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:12-13: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
Where Revelation 16:9 illustrates a lack of repentance, 1 Timothy 2:4 states that God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, suggesting a universal intent for redemption.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction is the idea of human repentance. In the broader biblical context, God's punishments are often intended to lead people to repentance. However, in this verse, despite severe punishment, people do not repent and instead are described as cursing God. This could seem inconsistent with the purpose of divine punishment leading to repentance.
Paradox #2
Revelation 16:9 describes people reacting to severe plagues by cursing God instead of repenting. A contradiction could involve the expectation that extreme suffering leads to spiritual change or repentance. Historically, people in dire situations might turn to religion for comfort or answers, while this verse suggests the opposite reaction. This contrast between expected human behavior and the biblical account can be seen as an inconsistency.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Revelation 16:9 could be seen in the idea that despite experiencing great sufferings, people do not repent but instead curse God. This might raise questions about the nature of free will and divine justice, as it suggests people are punished but not given the inclination to change, leading to a debate about fairness and the purpose of such punishment.