Contradiction with James 4:10
James instructs to humble oneself before the Lord, whereas Deuteronomy 9:18 describes Moses explicitly doing so, leaving no room for contradiction with the act itself.
James 4:10: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus advises against showing visible signs of fasting, contrasting Moses' public display of fasting in Deuteronomy 9:18 to seek divine favor.
Matthew 6:16-18: Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 9:18 mentions Moses fasting for 40 days and nights. A potential theological inconsistency could arise when comparing this account with other instances of prolonged fasting in the Bible, as the human ability to survive without food and water for that period is questionable. However, such instances are often understood as miraculous, which could resolve the perceived conflict for believers.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in Deuteronomy 9:18 could relate to differing accounts of Moses' actions during the time he was on the mountain. One point of conflict may arise when comparing this verse to other accounts in scripture about how long Moses fasted or exactly what events took place during this period. These variations can lead to differing interpretations or confusion about the timeline and actions described.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Deuteronomy 9:18 might arise from the emphasis on human effort in seeking forgiveness and dedicating time to religious practices like fasting, compared to other parts of the Bible that stress God's grace and mercy as the sole basis for forgiveness. This could create a conflict between actions and faith as the means for receiving forgiveness.