Contradictions and Paradoxes in Zephaniah 1:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Zephaniah 1:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Zephaniah 1:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Zephaniah, God will look closely at the people in the city, like using a candle to see in the dark, and will correct those who think God doesn’t care about what they do. People who think God won't do anything good or bad are wrong, and God will show them that He sees and cares.

Zephaniah 1:12: And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil. [settled: Heb. curded, or, thickened]

Contradiction with Psalm 121:4

Zephaniah 1:12 warns that God will punish those who say He will do neither good nor evil, implying divine inaction, while Psalm 121:4 affirms that God does not slumber, indicating His constant attention and action.

Psalm 121:4: Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Contradiction with Isaiah 40:28

Zephaniah 1:12 describes people who believe God is inactive, whereas Isaiah 40:28 emphasizes that God does not grow weary and His understanding is unsearchable, suggesting continuous divine involvement.

Isaiah 40:28: Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.

Contradiction with Hebrews 4:13

While Zephaniah 1:12 points to those who think God is indifferent, Hebrews 4:13 states that nothing is hidden from God's sight, underscoring His active observance and engagement with His creation.

Hebrews 4:13: Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Contradiction with Psalm 139:7-10

Zephaniah 1:12 reflects a belief in God's inaction, but Psalm 139:7-10 speaks of God's omnipresence, implying that He is always present and active everywhere.

Psalm 139:7-10: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:3

Zephaniah 1:12 refers to those who say God is not doing anything, while Proverbs 15:3 asserts that the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, watching both evil and good, indicating His constant vigilance.

Proverbs 15:3: The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Paradox #1

Some people might see a contradiction between the message in Zephaniah 1:12, where it talks about God searching for complacent people and punishing them, and other parts of the Bible that express God's forgiveness and patience. It could seem inconsistent to some that God punishes complacency while also being forgiving and patient with people's shortcomings. However, others might interpret these messages as complementary, showing both God's justice and mercy, aiming to encourage people to remain faithful and alert in their spiritual lives.

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