Exodus 12:21 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses in the Bible, he told the leaders of the Israelites to get a lamb for each family and prepare it for a special meal called Passover. This meal was a way to remember how God would protect them and help free them from being slaves in Egypt.

Contradiction with Numbers 23:19

This verse states that God does not change His mind, whereas Exodus 12:21 entails God's specific command to Moses, suggesting an action based on a particular situation.

Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

This verse emphasizes obedience over sacrifice, whereas in Exodus 12:21, the Israelites are instructed to perform a specific sacrificial act.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11

This verse questions the value of sacrifices, while Exodus 12:21 involves the sacrifice of the Passover lamb as a means of protection and obedience.

Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]

Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8

These verses emphasize justice, mercy, and humility over sacrifices, contrasting with the ritualistic action of Exodus 12:21.

Micah 6:6-8: Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [of a...: Heb. sons of a year?]

Contradiction with Matthew 9:13

Jesus teaches mercy over sacrifice, which contrasts with the sacrificial instruction in Exodus 12:21.

Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:8

Highlights that God does not desire sacrifices and offerings, which can contradict the sacrificial importance in Exodus 12:21.

Hebrews 10:8: Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law;

Paradox #1

The moral conflict in Exodus 12:21 could be seen in the idea of blood being used as a sign for protection. On one hand, it represents safety and faith. On the other hand, it involves the death of animals, which raises ethical questions about taking life for a ritual. Some people might see a contradiction between the act of killing and the pursuit of protection and peace.