Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 18:14

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 18:14 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 18:14. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Exodus, Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, saw Moses working very hard by himself to help the people and asked him why he was trying to do everything alone. Jethro was worried Moses would get too tired and thought it would be better if others helped him.

Exodus 18:14: And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What [is] this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

Contradiction with Numbers 11:14

In Exodus 18:14, Moses is advised to handle the burden of leadership with help, whereas in Numbers 11:14, Moses laments that he cannot carry all the people alone, showing a contradiction in the handling of leadership burdens.

Numbers 11:14: I am not able to bear all this people alone, because [it is] too heavy for me.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:12

In Exodus 18:14, Moses is being questioned by Jethro on why he alone judges the people, implying need for help, while in Deuteronomy 1:12, Moses himself expresses difficulty in bearing the people's burdens alone, showing he recognized the need for assistance.

Deuteronomy 1:12: How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife?

Contradiction with Exodus 24:3

Exodus 18:14 involves Jethro questioning Moses' sole authority, yet in Exodus 24:3, Moses alone communicates God's laws and judgments to the people, acting as the singular intermediary.

Exodus 24:3: And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:20

In Exodus 18:14, Moses is advised to delegate leadership, yet in 1 Samuel 8:20, the Israelites demand a king to judge them, rejecting the system of delegated judges established in Moses’ time.

1 Samuel 8:20: That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4

Exodus 18:14 deals with many disputes being judged, but Isaiah 2:4 prophesizes a time when nations will not learn war anymore and disputes are settled peacefully by God, contrasting the need for constant human judges.

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]
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