Contradiction with Exodus 22:29-30
These verses command the offering of the firstborn of men and cattle to God, contrasting with the redemption of the firstborn donkey mentioned in Exodus 13:13.
Exodus 22:29-30: Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. [the first...: Heb. thy fulness] [liquors: Heb. tear]
Contradiction with Numbers 18:15-17
Specifies redemption for firstborn among men and unclean animals, establishing a distinction from Exodus 13:13, which emphasizes redeeming only donkeys.
Numbers 18:15-17: Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, [whether it be] of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.
Contradiction with Leviticus 27:26-27
States that firstborn animals already belong to God and establishes different handling for unclean beasts, unlike the specific mention of donkeys in Exodus 13:13.
Leviticus 27:26-27: Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether [it be] ox, or sheep: it [is] the LORD'S. [firstling of: Heb. firstborn, etc]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:19
Command to set apart firstborn males of herd and flock and not work or shear them, contrasting the redemption practice mentioned in Exodus 13:13 for donkeys.
Deuteronomy 15:19: All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.
Paradox #1
Exodus 13:13 could be seen as having a potential contradiction or inconsistency in terms of the concept of redemption and substitution. The idea of sacrificing an animal to redeem another can raise questions about justice and mercy, especially in relation to later Christian theological interpretations of redemption and atonement. This might seem inconsistent with broader themes of morality and divine justice explored elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #2
Exodus 13:13 talks about redeeming firstborn animals that are not suitable for sacrifice. A doctrinal conflict could arise when trying to reconcile this specific redemption practice with other biblical passages that address offering firstborn animals as sacrifices or having different requirements for firstborn animals. It may seem inconsistent when compared to laws in other parts of the Bible concerning animal sacrifices and offerings.
Paradox #3
Exodus 13:13 presents a contradiction by requiring the sacrifice of a firstborn donkey unless it is redeemed by a lamb. This may conflict with the idea that all creatures have intrinsic value and should not need to be sacrificed or exchanged to please a higher power. This raises questions about the fairness and morality of valuing some lives differently based on religious tradition.