Contradiction with Leviticus 19:33-34
While Zephaniah 2:5 pronounces a woe upon certain foreigners, Leviticus 19:33-34 instructs kindness and love toward strangers, showing a more inclusive and protective approach.
Leviticus 19:33-34: And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. [vex: or, oppress]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Zephaniah 2:5 speaks of judgment and destruction, whereas Matthew 5:44 teaches to love enemies and pray for persecutors, advocating for love instead of woe.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Jonah 3:10
Zephaniah 2:5 foretells destruction upon the land, but Jonah 3:10 shows God’s mercy in sparing a city from destruction after repentance, highlighting mercy over judgment.
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.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
While Zephaniah 2:5 deals with impending judgment, Luke 6:27 instructs love toward enemies and doing good to those who hate, contrasting with an aggressive stance.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
Zephaniah 2:5 pronounces a curse, but Ezekiel 18:23 states that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, suggesting a preference for repentance and life.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Zephaniah 2:5 declares divine retribution, while Romans 12:19 advises believers to leave vengeance to God, indicating a reliance on divine justice rather than human pronouncement.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Paradox #1
This verse speaks of punishment and destruction for certain peoples. The contradiction or conflict could be the idea of a loving and merciful God choosing to destroy and punish groups of people. This can be seen as inconsistent with the concept of forgiveness and compassion often emphasized in other parts of the Bible.