Is Flour Enough for Forgiveness? Exploring Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Leviticus 5:11 contradicts Hebrews 10:4, Hebrews 10:1, Psalm 51:16 and Hebrews 9:22. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible is a collection of texts with diverse messages and teachings that occasionally appear to contradict each other. One such contradiction arises from differing ideas about offerings for atonement.
In Leviticus 5:11, the text allows for a flour offering as a substitute for those unable to bring birds for a sin offering. The author makes an allowance for people who, due to financial constraints, cannot afford traditional animal offerings. This approach embodies an understanding of compassion by providing a way for everyone to seek forgiveness, regardless of wealth.
However, the New Testament presents different perspectives. Hebrews 10:4 argues against the Old Testament practice, stating it's impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins, challenging the validity of all animal offerings and, by extension, the flour offering mentioned in Leviticus 5:11.
Furthermore, Hebrews 10:1 suggests that the law, which includes the sacrificial system of offerings, cannot perfect those who practice it. This implies that the system, including flour offerings, might provide temporary relief but not ultimate redemption.
Additionally, in Hebrews 9:22, the scripture insists that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. This creates an obvious conflict with Leviticus 5:11's acceptance of a non-blood offering.
Psalm 51:16 adds another layer, suggesting that God does not delight in sacrifices, contrasting the idea that offerings, including flour, are a means to please or appease God.
These varying perspectives can be likened to differing regulations for settling a debt. Imagine one rule saying payment can be through community service (flour offering), while another insists only monetary payment (blood offering) can settle the debt. The resulting confusion asks us to reflect: What is truly necessary for forgiveness and reconciliation? These contradictions invite deeper study and consideration of faith’s evolution throughout sacred texts.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leviticus 5:11 | But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put [any] frankincense thereon: for it [is] a sin offering. |
| 2. | Hebrews 10:4 | For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. |
| 3. | Hebrews 10:1 | For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. |
| 4. | Psalm 51:16 | For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. [else...: or, that I should] |
| 5. | Hebrews 9:22 | And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. |