Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse emphasizes individual responsibility, stating that the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, which contradicts the punishment of the firstborn due to Pharaoh's actions.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
This verse states that parents should not be put to death for their children, nor children for their parents, which contrasts with the collective punishment seen in Exodus 11:5.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:29-30
These verses assert that everyone will die for their own sin, which contradicts the firstborn being punished due to Pharaoh's sins.
Jeremiah 31:29-30: In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 14:6
This verse mentions that children should not be killed for their parents’ sins, contradicting the concept of the firstborn's death in Exodus 11:5 due to Pharaoh’s actions.
2 Kings 14:6: But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Paradox #1
Exodus 11:5 talks about the death of the firstborn in Egypt as part of God's judgment. The potential conflict here could be the idea of a loving and just God causing suffering to innocent children. Some people may find it challenging to reconcile a compassionate God with the act of taking the lives of innocents, which seems harsh and unjust. This contradiction can be troubling for those trying to understand the balance between justice and mercy in God's actions.
Paradox #2
Exodus 11:5 describes a plague where all the firstborn in Egypt are to die, which raises questions about God's justice and mercy. Some people find it contradictory because it involves the death of innocents who had no control over the actions of Pharaoh, creating tension with the concept of a just and loving deity.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Exodus 11:5 could relate to the claim of a massive, instantaneous event affecting all firstborns in a region, without historical or archaeological evidence supporting such a widespread occurrence. This lack of evidence challenges the feasibility of such an event happening as described in the text.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen as the punishment of innocent people, such as the firstborn children of Egypt, which raises questions about justice and fairness. It challenges the idea of collective punishment, where individuals are punished for the actions of others, which may seem inconsistent with modern views on moral accountability.