Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
This verse suggests that God is questioning the value of sacrifices, similar to Amos 5:21, but it contradicts by showing that God desires obedient worship rather than ritualistic offerings.
Isaiah 1:11: 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 Jeremiah 6:20
This verse expresses that burnt offerings and sacrifices brought by people are not delightful to God, similar to Amos 5:21, but it highlights the contradiction in the perception that rituals alone please God.
Jeremiah 6:20: To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
This verse states that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God, rather than burnt offerings, which contradicts the notion that mere religious festivals are pleasing if the heart is not right, similar to Amos 5:21.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8
This passage questions what God requires, suggesting that justice, mercy, and humility are more important than sacrifice, aligning with the sentiment in Amos 5:21 yet presenting a different perspective focused on ethical living over ritual.
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?]
Contradiction with Psalm 51:16-17
This verse implies God does not delight in sacrifice but contrite hearts, contrasting with the requirement for sacrifices as seen in the temple practices yet supported by the sentiments in Amos 5:21.
Psalm 51:16-17: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. [else...: or, that I should]
Paradox #1
Amos 5:21 talks about God's rejection of certain religious practices when they are not accompanied by justice and righteousness. A potential doctrinal conflict could arise if this is compared with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance of sacrifices and religious ceremonies, like the laws in Leviticus. This could seem inconsistent if one part stresses rituals while Amos stresses the need for a just life over rituals alone.
Paradox #2
This verse highlights a potential contradiction by expressing God's displeasure with religious rituals if they are not accompanied by justice and righteousness. It challenges the idea that rituals alone are enough to please God, highlighting the inconsistency between outward religious actions and the ethical and moral behavior expected.