Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11
This verse states that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, which contrasts with Zechariah 13:8 where two-thirds of the land shall be cut off and die.
Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
This verse expresses God's desire for all people to be saved, contrasting with the destruction mentioned in Zechariah 13:8.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Contradiction with John 3:16
This verse emphasizes God's love for the world and the promise of eternal life, which seems at odds with the large-scale destruction mentioned in Zechariah 13:8.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
This verse highlights God's patience and unwillingness for any to perish, which contradicts the mass deaths described in Zechariah 13:8.
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 Isaiah 55:7
This verse offers a promise of mercy and abundant pardon to the wicked who return to God, contrasting with the fate of destruction in Zechariah 13:8.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Paradox #1
Zechariah 13:8 describes a prophecy where two-thirds will be cut off and perish, while one-third will be left. Some readers might find this challenging when compared to the broader message of God's mercy and love found throughout the Bible. This verse could seem to contradict the idea that God desires all people to be saved and come to repentance. However, many scholars interpret it symbolically, suggesting it represents purification or refining rather than literal destruction, aligning it with God's just and merciful nature.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict in this verse could be that it speaks of a large portion of people being destroyed, which can seem harsh or unjust to some readers. It raises questions about the fairness and mercy of such actions in terms of a loving and just God.