Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5-6
While Exodus 13:17 implies that God leads the Israelites based on their own understanding and fears, Proverbs 3:5-6 advises trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not relying on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9
Exodus 13:17 suggests God's decisions align with human reasoning, but Isaiah 55:8-9 states that God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts, indicating they may not align.
Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:7
Whereas Exodus 13:17 indicates leading based on circumstances, 2 Corinthians 5:7 encourages walking by faith, not by sight, suggesting a different basis for God's guidance.
2 Corinthians 5:7: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Contradiction with Romans 8:28
In Exodus 13:17, God avoids the path due to potential conflict, but Romans 8:28 assures that all things work together for good, implying even challenges can serve God's purpose.
Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in this verse might be seen in the idea of God not leading the people on the shortest path because they might face enemies and want to return to Egypt. It could be seen as contradictory that God, who is all-knowing and powerful, would lead people on a longer, more difficult path instead of directly protecting them from danger.