Contradiction with Exodus 21:2
This verse provides a similar instruction about Hebrew servants being released after six years, echoing the directive in Deuteronomy 15:12 without contradiction.
Exodus 21:2: If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
Contradiction with Leviticus 25:39-40
These verses discuss releasing Hebrew servants in the year of Jubilee, showing a differing set of rules concerning servitude.
Leviticus 25:39-40: And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: [compel...: Heb. serve thyself with him with the service, etc]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 34:14
This verse confirms the practice of releasing Hebrew servants after six years, consistent with Deuteronomy 15:12 rather than contradictory.
Jeremiah 34:14: At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear. [hath been...: or, hath sold himself]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 9:22
This verse states that Solomon did not make Israelites servants, implying a different practice regarding servitude.
1 Kings 9:22: But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 15:12 discusses releasing Hebrew servants after six years. One potential contradiction arises when comparing this with other biblical rules on slavery, such as in Leviticus 25:44-46, which deals with owning slaves from other nations permanently. This could seem inconsistent in terms of how different groups of people are treated.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 15:12 could be seen as conflicting with the idea of universal and permanent freedom that is emphasized in other parts of the Bible. This verse talks about Hebrew servants and a specific timeframe for servitude, which might seem inconsistent with themes like freedom and equality. This can create tension with passages that suggest all people are inherently free and equal under God.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 15:12 contains instructions about releasing Hebrew servants after six years of service. A historical inconsistency arises when comparing this to other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 21:2-6, where similar but slightly different rules about Hebrew servants are described. These differences can lead to questions about the consistency of biblical laws regarding servitude.
Paradox #4
Deuteronomy 15:12 deals with the release of Hebrew slaves after a certain period. The contradiction might arise from the fact that it permits slavery in any form, which conflicts with modern views on human rights and equality. While it promotes some level of compassion by eventually freeing the slaves, the initial acceptance of slavery can be seen as inconsistent with the idea of inherent human dignity.