Contradiction with Leviticus 22:19-20
States that offerings to God must be without blemish, aligning rather than contradicting with Exodus 12:5.
Leviticus 22:19-20: [Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.
Contradiction with Numbers 6:14
Details the offerings of three different animals, which indirectly complicates the specific focus on lambs or goats in Exodus 12:5 but does not directly contradict it.
Numbers 6:14: And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,
Contradiction with Isaiah 53:7
Describes the suffering servant as a lamb, symbolically aligning with the sacrificial lamb; however, this is metaphorical rather than a direct contradiction.
Isaiah 53:7: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Contradiction with Psalm 51:16-17
Emphasizes a contrite heart over animal sacrifices, which downplays the specific importance of the physical attributes of the sacrificial animal in Exodus 12:5.
Psalm 51:16-17: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. [else...: or, that I should]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Prefers mercy over sacrifice, suggesting a shift in priority that indirectly challenges the emphasis on a perfect animal for sacrifice.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Hebrews 9:12-14
Discusses the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over traditional animal offerings, including those described in Exodus 12:5, proposing a theological reinterpretation rather than a contradiction.
Hebrews 9:12-14: Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Jesus emphasizes mercy over sacrifice, which can be seen as contradicting the detailed sacrificial instructions in Exodus 12:5.
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.
Paradox #1
Exodus 12:5 presents a moral inconsistency for some people because it involves the requirement to sacrifice an unblemished lamb. For those who hold beliefs against animal sacrifice or harm to animals, this directive might appear to conflict with the moral principle of kindness and compassion towards all living creatures.