ABC:Jeremiah 23

Verse 16: Can one hide from GOD? (Infidels)

Don Morgan's list at Infidels claims this is a contradiction and makes the following comments (italicized).

“ Cain went away (or out) from the presence of the Lord.

Genesis 4:16 ¶ And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

vs.

A man cannot hide from God. God fills heaven and earth.

Jeremiah 23:23-24 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. ”

The passage about Cain never contradicts the passage in Jeremiah, because it never suggests that Cain was able to hide from GOD, or remain unseen by GOD. It simply mentions Cain leaving GOD's immediate presence. GOD can choose to concentrate His presence more powerfully so that it is more evidently manifested, as He did on Mount Sinai. (Ex. 19:16-20) Just because Cain was able to leave GOD's immediate presence does not mean he was able to hide from GOD or be invisible to GOD.