Contradiction with Joshua 5:12
This verse states that the manna ceased the day after they had eaten of the old corn of the land, indicating a specific day for cessation, compared to Exodus 16:35's general duration until Canaan.
Joshua 5:12: And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
Paradox #1
Exodus 16:35 talks about the Israelites eating manna for 40 years until they reached the border of Canaan. A potential contradiction could arise when comparing this to the New Testament teaching in John 6:31-33, where Jesus refers to the manna as not the true bread from heaven, implying a more spiritual sustenance. The conflict might come from understanding the physical sustenance provided by manna versus the spiritual sustenance that Jesus represents. This could lead some to question the relationship between physical and spiritual nourishment in biblical teachings.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Exodus 16:35 arises from the mention of the Israelites eating manna for 40 years until they reached the land of Canaan. This presents a potential inconsistency because other parts of the biblical narrative suggest various time frames and events that may not align perfectly with this account. Additionally, there's a historical debate about the logistics and feasibility of sustaining such a large group with manna for an extended period based solely on the details provided in the texts.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this context could be related to the description of manna, a food from heaven, sustaining the Israelites for forty years. Scientifically, there is no evidence or natural explanation for a type of food that appears daily on the ground and lasts solely within a specific time frame without known biological or chemical processes supporting its production and preservation over such a long period.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in Exodus 16:35 could arise when compared to Numbers 33:38, where it mentions the time of Aaron's death in the 40th year of the Israelites' journey. If Exodus 16:35 is interpreted as discussing the total duration of manna being provided (40 years), it might seem inconsistent with the timeline of events. However, different interpretations exist, mitigating the conflict.