Contradiction with Genesis 8:21
This verse says God will no longer curse the ground for man's sake, and He finds pleasure in offerings, contradicting the rejection of offerings in Amos 5:22.
Genesis 8:21: And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. [a sweet...: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction] [for the imagination: or, through the imagination]
Contradiction with Exodus 29:18
This verse states that burnt offerings are a sweet aroma to the Lord, opposing the rejection in Amos 5:22.
Exodus 29:18: And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Contradiction with Leviticus 1:9
Declares that burnt offerings are a sweet savour unto the Lord, conflicting with the disapproval in Amos 5:22.
Leviticus 1:9: But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Contradiction with Numbers 28:2
Commands the Israelites to offer sacrifices, suggesting divine acceptance that contrasts the rejection in Amos 5:22.
Numbers 28:2: Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, [and] my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, [for] a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. [a sweet...: Heb. a savour of my rest]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 2:28
Highlights that offerings are a special service to God, contrary to the rejection in Amos 5:22.
1 Samuel 2:28: And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel [to be] my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
Contradiction with Psalm 51:19
Promises that God will be pleased with sacrifices of righteousness, opposing the implication of Amos 5:22.
Psalm 51:19: Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Contradiction with Isaiah 56:7
States that sacrifices will be accepted on God's altar, conflicting the rejection mentioned in Amos 5:22.
Isaiah 56:7: Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Contradiction with Malachi 3:4
Says offerings will be pleasant to the Lord, contradicting the repudiation seen in Amos 5:22.
Malachi 3:4: Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. [former: or, ancient]
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that outward religious rituals or offerings are not acceptable to God when they are not accompanied by genuine justice and righteousness. This might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible where rituals and offerings are described as important. The contradiction arises when rituals are performed without sincere faith or ethical behavior, emphasizing that God values how people act and treat others over mere ritualistic practices.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction with Amos 5:22 could be the tension between the rejection of certain religious rituals and the emphasis on these rituals in other parts of the Bible. While some passages stress the importance of sacrifices and offerings, this verse suggests that such rituals alone are not pleasing to God if not accompanied by justice and righteousness. This could seem inconsistent to those who interpret the emphasis on rituals differently.
Paradox #3
Amos 5:22 highlights a contradiction between performing religious rituals and the ethical behavior God desires. The conflict arises when people focus on rituals while neglecting justice, mercy, and righteousness, which are more important to God. This reveals an inconsistency between outward religious actions and inner moral values.