Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 18:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 18:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 18:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, when people have problems, they come to me, and I help them understand what is right by teaching them God's rules and laws. I help them by listening and making sure they know what God wants us to do.

Exodus 18:16: When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make [them] know the statutes of God, and his laws. [one...: Heb. a man and his fellow]

Contradiction with Matthew 7:1

This verse advises not to judge others, contradicting Exodus 18:16 where Moses judges between people.

Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Contradiction with James 4:12

States there is only one lawgiver and judge, which contrasts with Moses' role as a judge in Exodus 18:16.

James 4:12: There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Contradiction with Romans 14:13

Encourages not to judge one another, opposing the action of judging described in Exodus 18:16.

Romans 14:13: Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 4:5

Advises to judge nothing before the time until the Lord comes, in contrast to the immediate judgment Moses provides in Exodus 18:16.

1 Corinthians 4:5: Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Paradox #1

Exodus 18:16 might present a contradiction or inconsistency with other parts of the Bible regarding the process of seeking God's will or receiving judgments. In other parts, individuals are often encouraged to directly seek God's guidance through prayer or prophets, while this verse suggests a reliance on Moses to judge disputes and explain God's laws and decrees. This can seem inconsistent with passages that emphasize personal direct access to God.

Paradox #2

Exodus 18:16 describes Moses settling disputes among the Israelites by judging according to God's laws. A contradiction might be that other parts of the Bible suggest a more developed legal system with additional judges later on. This could seem inconsistent with the idea of Moses handling all disputes alone. However, these accounts can also be seen as a progression in the legal system over time rather than a direct contradiction.

Paradox #3

The potential contradiction in Exodus 18:16 could be seen in the way disputes are resolved through the law, which might conflict with the idea of mercy and forgiveness taught in other parts of the Bible. Resolving conflicts strictly by law might seem inconsistent with the emphasis on compassion and understanding found elsewhere.

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