Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
This verse speaks of turning swords into plowshares and nations not learning war anymore, contradicting with the idea of God triumphing by destroying the Egyptian army.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:9
This verse blesses peacemakers as the children of God, contrasting with the depiction of God as a warrior who throws Pharaoh’s army into the sea.
Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
This verse teaches to love your enemies and do good to those who hate you, which contrasts with the narrative of God's punitive action against the Egyptians.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
This verse encourages believers not to take revenge and leave room for God's wrath, implying vengeance as a last resort, contrasting with the active destruction of the Egyptian forces.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with James 3:17-18
These verses encourage peace and gentleness, contradicting the imagery of divine warfare and destruction in Exodus 15:4.
James 3:17-18: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]
Contradiction with Micah 4:3
This verse envisions a future without war, where nations will beat swords into plowshares, contrasting with God's martial actions described in Exodus 15:4.
Micah 4:3: And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Paradox #1
Exodus 15:4 talks about God causing the Egyptian army to perish in the sea. A possible contradiction could be with the concept of God's mercy and love, as some might find it inconsistent with the idea of a loving God to cause such destruction. There might be questions about how divine justice and mercy are balanced in this narrative.
Paradox #2
Some scholars point out that historical records and archaeological evidence from Egypt do not mention or support the account of an entire Egyptian army being drowned in the sea, as described. This lack of external evidence raises questions about the historical accuracy of this event as described in the religious text.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Exodus 15:4 could be the depiction of God causing harm to others, which might seem at odds with the image of a loving and merciful deity. This can create tension for those who believe that a just and compassionate God would not intentionally harm people or encourage violence. However, interpretations vary, and some may see this as a demonstration of justice or protection for believers.