Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 17:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 17:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 17:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, when he raised his hands, his people were winning a battle, but when he put his hands down, the other group started winning. This shows that sometimes we need to do special things to get help in hard times.

Exodus 17:11: And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Contradiction with Matthew 26:52

This verse, where Jesus says, "for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword," contradicts the depiction of victory through war and violence in Exodus 17:11.

Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:31

This verse, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD," emphasizes reliance on God, which contrasts with the situation in Exodus 17:11, where victory is directly linked to Moses’ physical action of holding up his hand.

Proverbs 21:31: The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. [safety: or, victory]

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:6

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts," contradicts Exodus 17:11’s emphasis on physical acts over spiritual faith in securing victory.

Zechariah 4:6: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. [might: or, army]

Contradiction with Psalm 20:7

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God," highlights faith in God alone for victory, contrary to the physical actions impacting the battle outcome in Exodus 17:11.

Psalm 20:7: Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Contradiction with James 2:26

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also," can be seen as a contradiction to Exodus 17:11 since the latter suggests reliance on a specific work (holding up a staff) for victory.

James 2:26: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. [spirit: or, breath]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in this verse could be the implication that a physical action (raising hands) directly influences the outcome of a battle. Scientifically, battles are typically determined by strategy, numbers, and resources, rather than physical gestures or movements. Therefore, attributing the success or failure of a battle to raising or lowering hands does not align with scientific understanding of warfare dynamics.

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