Contradiction with Exodus 15:25
In this verse, God provides water to the Israelites by instructing Moses to cast a tree into the bitter waters, making them sweet, showing an earlier solution to a water crisis.
Exodus 15:25: And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
Contradiction with Numbers 20:11
Here, Moses strikes the rock to bring forth water, but he does so in disobedience to God's instruction to speak to the rock, which differs from God's provision of water in Exodus 17:3.
Numbers 20:11: And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].
Contradiction with Psalm 107:9
This verse speaks of God satisfying the longing soul and filling the hungry soul with goodness, implying God's provision and care, contrasting with the complaint in Exodus 17:3.
Psalm 107:9: For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:31-33
Jesus teaches not to worry about what to eat or drink, focusing instead on seeking God's kingdom, contrasting with the Israelites' focus on their immediate needs in Exodus 17:3.
Matthew 6:31-33: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Paradox #1
Exodus 17:3 describes the Israelites complaining about a lack of water during their journey in the desert. A potential contradiction could arise when comparing this complaint to earlier provisions, such as the miraculous supply of manna and water earlier in their journey (e.g., Exodus 16). The inconsistency lies in the repeated expression of doubt and lack of faith despite witnessing previous miracles.