Contradiction with Isaiah 1:13-14
These verses indicate that God is weary of the appointed feasts, contrasting with the inquiry about continuing a religious observance in Zechariah 7:3.
Isaiah 1:13-14: Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [iniquity: or, grief]
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-22
God expresses disdain for feasts and offerings, suggesting that ritual observance alone is not pleasing to Him, unlike the implied continuation of fasting in Zechariah 7:3.
Amos 5:21-22: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Emphasizes the desire for mercy and knowledge of God over burnt offerings, contrasting the focus on ritual in Zechariah 7:3.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Jesus emphasizes mercy over sacrifice, challenging the concept of maintaining ritualistic fasting discussed in Zechariah 7:3.
Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Zechariah 7:3 could be about the sincerity of religious rituals. People may question whether performing rituals out of habit rather than genuine devotion is meaningful. This raises an issue regarding the true purpose of religious practices and whether simply performing them without heartfelt intent aligns with moral sincerity.