Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 17:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 17:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 17:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the people of Israel were traveling through the desert and following God's instructions. When they reached a place called Rephidim, they couldn’t find any water to drink.

Exodus 17:1: And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and [there was] no water for the people to drink.

Contradiction with Numbers 20:1

This verse describes the Israelites arriving in the desert of Zin during the first month, contrasting with the setting in the wilderness of Sin in Exodus 17:1, indicating possible discrepancies in location and timing.

Numbers 20:1: Then came the children of Israel, [even] the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Contradiction with Exodus 15:27

This verse mentions the Israelites reaching Elim where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, suggesting an environment with ample water, contrary to the water scarcity implied in Exodus 17:1.

Exodus 15:27: And they came to Elim, where [were] twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 8:15

This verse emphasizes the Lord leading the Israelites through a great and terrible wilderness with fiery serpents, scorpions, and drought, which contrasts with the temporary encampment described in Exodus 17:1 where they experienced a specific issue with water.

Deuteronomy 8:15: Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Contradiction with Exodus 16:1

This verse places the Israelites arriving in the wilderness of Sin on the fifteenth day of the second month, which may present a contradiction in timing with Exodus 17:1 where they are already journeying through the wilderness of Sin.

Exodus 16:1: And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which [is] between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
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