Contradiction with James 5:16
While Exodus 10:16 shows a plea for forgiveness after wrongdoing, James 5:16 advises confessing sins to one another as a proactive step towards healing, emphasizing communal confession rather than private acknowledgment of sin.
James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
Exodus 10:16 reflects immediate repentance following a crisis, whereas 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness if we continuously confess our sins, suggesting an ongoing practice rather than a last-minute acknowledgment.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Contradiction with Proverbs 28:13
This verse advises against concealing sins, which contradicts Pharaoh’s pattern in Exodus 10:16 of acknowledging sin only when bearing the consequences, implying a lack of genuine repentance as opposed to the regular confession prompted in Proverbs.
Proverbs 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:26
Exodus 10:16 involves a confession after knowingly sinning, while Hebrews 10:26 warns against willful sinning after receiving knowledge of the truth, suggesting repeated patterns of sin cannot be resolved by mere confession.
Hebrews 10:26: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Contradiction with Matthew 3:8
This verse calls for producing fruit in keeping with repentance, which contradicts Pharaoh's actions in Exodus 10:16, where confession seems temporary and situational rather than demonstrating a permanent change of heart.
Matthew 3:8: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: [meet...: or, answerable to amendment of life]
Contradiction with Isaiah 29:13
This passage criticizes insincere worship, where actions do not align with professed beliefs, contrasting with Pharaoh’s plea in Exodus 10:16, which can be seen as insincere due to his subsequent return to oppressive behavior.
Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Contradiction with Luke 3:14
It advises contentment without threatening others, contradicting Pharaoh’s behavior leading up to Exodus 10:16, where his repentance seemed conditional and pressure-driven rather than stemming from a genuine heart change.
Luke 3:14: And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your wages. [Do violence...: or, Put no man in fear] [wages: or, allowance]
Paradox #1
Exodus 10:16 shows Pharaoh quickly admitting his mistake and asking for forgiveness after bringing harm to his people. The contradiction is that despite recognizing his wrongdoing, Pharaoh repeatedly returns to his old ways, which highlights the inconsistency between acknowledging wrong actions and truly changing one's behavior.