Contradiction with Amos 5:21-22
This verse expresses God's disapproval of rituals and offerings which contradicts with Amos 4:4 where these practices are mentioned sarcastically.
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 Isaiah 1:11-14
These verses have God speaking out against sacrifices and offerings, contrasting with the call in Amos 4:4 to bring sacrifices.
Isaiah 1:11-14: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Emphasizes desire for mercy, not sacrifice, contrasting the sacrificial call in Amos 4:4.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Quotes Hosea to emphasize mercy over sacrifice, contradicting the practice encouraged in Amos 4:4.
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.
Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8
Emphasizes justice and mercy over offerings and sacrifices.
Micah 6:6-8: Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [of a...: Heb. sons of a year?]
Paradox #1
The verse in question is seen as sarcastic, where God is criticizing the Israelites for their insincere worship and meaningless rituals. The contradiction or conflict arises because, on the surface, it seems to encourage worship practices that the rest of the Bible criticizes as being hypocritical or empty when not accompanied by genuine faith and obedience. This can be confusing for readers who take the verse literally rather than understanding the sarcastic tone intended to highlight their disobedience.
Paradox #2
Amos 4:4 might show a conflict because it sarcastically invites people to continue their religious rituals at Bethel and Gilgal, centers of worship in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The contradiction comes from the idea that these practices, intended to honor God, are actually criticized by the prophet Amos as being empty and hypocritical. The people are maintaining rituals but are not living according to God's true teachings. This highlights a conflict between true worship and mere ritualism.
Paradox #3
Amos 4:4 may seem to encourage religious rituals but in a sarcastic way, highlighting the people's hypocrisy in performing rituals without genuine faith or obedience. This could create a contradiction by emphasizing actions over sincere belief and ethical behavior.