Contradiction with Exodus 17:2
This verse shows the Israelites chiding Moses and essentially testing God by demanding water, which appears to contradict the admonition not to test God in Deuteronomy 6:16.
Exodus 17:2: Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?
Contradiction with Malachi 3:10
Here, God invites the people to test Him by bringing tithes into the storehouse, which can be seen as contradicting the command not to tempt God as stated in Deuteronomy 6:16.
Malachi 3:10: Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]. [pour...: Heb. empty out]
Contradiction with Judges 6:39
Gideon asks for a sign from God to assure his victory, essentially putting God to the test, which contradicts the instruction given in Deuteronomy 6:16.
Judges 6:39: And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
Contradiction with Matthew 4:7
While Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:16 as a reason not to test God, the surrounding context presents the devil tempting Jesus, which could be seen as testing God’s faithfulness indirectly.
Matthew 4:7: Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [tempt: or, try, or, put to trial, or, proof]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 6:16 might seem to contradict the story of Gideon in Judges 6, where he asks God for a sign. While Deuteronomy advises not to test God, God accommodates Gideon's request. This could seem inconsistent, as Gideon is not rebuked for seeking confirmation from God.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 6:16 advises against testing God. A potential doctrinal conflict arises when comparing this with the story of Gideon in Judges 6:36-40, where Gideon asks for signs from God to confirm his mission, which could be seen as a form of testing God. This could be viewed as inconsistent because it seems like Gideon is testing God, yet God responds to him positively.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency could relate to the idea of "testing" a divine power. In ancient cultures, such as those surrounding the Israelites, it was sometimes normal to test gods to see if they would respond to human needs. However, this verse discourages testing, which might conflict with other experiences or traditions that involved seeking direct signs or responses from deities.
Paradox #4
Deuteronomy 6:16 says not to test God. A possible contradiction comes when people also believe in questioning or seeking evidence for beliefs. If you value questioning and testing things to understand them better, this verse might feel inconsistent with that approach since it advises against testing God.