Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:21
This verse states that if the wicked turn from their sins and keep God's statutes, they will live, contradicting Zephaniah 1:4, which declares judgment on Judah for idolatry without offering immediate redemption.
Ezekiel 18:21: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 30:9
This verse promises that if people return to the Lord, He will show compassion, contrasting with Zephaniah 1:4, which focuses on punishment for idol worship.
2 Chronicles 30:9: For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:7-8
These verses mention God relenting from disaster if a nation repents, which contradicts the unwavering declaration of destruction in Zephaniah 1:4.
Jeremiah 18:7-8: [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
This verse demonstrates that God spared Nineveh due to their repentance, contrasting with the unqualified judgment pronounced in Zephaniah 1:4.
Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.
Paradox #1
Zephaniah 1:4 talks about God punishing those who worship other gods alongside Him. The contradiction could be that it raises questions about religious tolerance and the fairness of punishing people for their beliefs. In modern times, the idea of religious freedom is valued, so enforcing worship through punishment can seem inconsistent with contemporary values of allowing diverse beliefs.