Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
This verse speaks of God's desire that none should die, contradicting the idea of a punitive drought for disobedience described in Zechariah 14:18.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:45
This verse states that God makes the sun rise and the rain fall on both the just and unjust, which contradicts the selective punishment of withholding rain found in Zechariah 14:18.
Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:34
Emphasizes forgiveness and a personal relationship with God, contradicting the image of collective punishment through curse in Zechariah 14:18.
Jeremiah 31:34: And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Contradiction with Romans 2:4
Suggests God's kindness leads to repentance, contradicting the punitive approach through drought in Zechariah 14:18.
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 1 John 4:8
States that God is love, which could be seen in contrast to the vengeful image in Zechariah 14:18 where punishment is executed.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Paradox #1
Zechariah 14:18 discusses the punishment for nations that do not observe a specific festival. A potential theological conflict is the idea that God's blessings or rain might be withheld based on ritual observance, which could seem inconsistent with other biblical teachings where God's love and grace are unconditional. This might create confusion about whether God's favor is earned through actions or given freely.
Paradox #2
Zechariah 14:18 talks about punishment for nations that do not follow a specific festival. This can seem to conflict with other biblical teachings about God's mercy or the idea that faith, rather than specific actions or festivals, is what matters for a relationship with God.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction with Zechariah 14:18 could stem from its predictions about the nations and their consequences for not celebrating a particular festival, which doesn't align with historical records or practices of all nations mentioned during that period. This raises questions about the literal fulfillment in history.
Paradox #4
One possible contradiction in that verse is the idea of controlling rain based on religious practice or behavior. Scientifically, weather patterns and rainfall are understood as natural processes influenced by atmospheric conditions, not by human actions or beliefs related to religious observance.
Paradox #5
Zechariah 14:18 talks about punishment for those who do not worship. The contradiction might be the idea of enforcing worship through punishment, which conflicts with the idea of free will or voluntary devotion as a genuine expression of faith. Some might see this as coercive, questioning the sincerity and moral value of worship obtained through threats rather than choice.