Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
Exodus 14:14 says, "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." This contradicts Exodus 14:12 where the Israelites express doubt and fear, suggesting they preferred to serve the Egyptians rather than face danger.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:9
Numbers 14:9 says, "Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not." This encourages trust and bravery, in contrast to the fear and preference for servitude in Exodus 14:12.
Numbers 14:9: Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not. [defence: Heb. shadow]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:21
Deuteronomy 1:21 encourages the Israelites to fear not and trust God: "Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." This is contrary to the despair and fear of Exodus 14:12.
Deuteronomy 1:21: Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up [and] possess [it], as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Contradiction with Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9 commands strength and courage: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." This contrasts with the fearfulness expressed in Exodus 14:12.
Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." This verse promotes courage and empowerment, contrary to the fear and defeatism in Exodus 14:12.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Paradox #1
Exodus 14:12 reflects the Israelites expressing regret and fear about being led out of Egypt, wishing they had stayed as slaves. A possible contradiction could be their lack of faith and trust in God's deliverance, contrasting with earlier assurances from God about their liberation. This tension highlights human doubt versus divine promise.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Exodus 14:12 could be related to faith and obedience. The Israelites express a fear of change and lack of faith by wanting to return to Egypt. This may seem inconsistent with the teachings that encourage trusting and following God's plan even when facing uncertainty. It highlights the tension between human doubt and divine guidance.
Paradox #3
One potential inconsistency is that in this verse, the Israelites express a preference to have remained in Egypt rather than face danger in the desert. This seems contradictory to other parts of the narrative where the Israelites are eager to leave their oppression in Egypt. It highlights the tension between their desire for freedom and fear of immediate threats.
Paradox #4
Exodus 14:12 might show a contradiction or conflict in how people are sometimes resistant to change or freedom even when it promises a better future. The Israelites express a preference for staying in slavery where they felt secure, rather than facing uncertainty and danger in pursuit of freedom. This can be seen as conflicting with the broader biblical narrative that values freedom and trusting in divine guidance.