Contradiction with Numbers 11:16
This verse describes God instructing Moses to gather seventy elders to help him, rather than Moses choosing able men himself, contrasting with Exodus 18:25 where Moses selects capable men independently.
Numbers 11:16: And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:13
Here, Moses tells the people to choose wise and knowledgeable men, whereas in Exodus 18:25, Moses is the one choosing the individuals without consulting the people.
Deuteronomy 1:13: Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. [Take: Heb. Give]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:15
This verse states Moses took the heads of the tribes as leaders, contrasting with Exodus 18:25 where the focus is on Moses choosing capable men irrespective of their tribal leadership.
Deuteronomy 1:15: So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. [made: Heb. gave]
Contradiction with Numbers 11:14
This verse describes how Moses felt overwhelmed and unable to bear the people's burdens alone, in contrast to Exodus 18:25 where Moses successfully implements a system of shared leadership.
Numbers 11:14: I am not able to bear all this people alone, because [it is] too heavy for me.
Paradox #1
Exodus 18:25 might present a contradiction or conflict in the context of human leadership and divine guidance. It describes the selection of leaders among the people, which could be seen as placing human authority figures between God and the people. This could potentially conflict with the idea that God directly guides and leads His people, raising questions about the balance between divine authority and human leadership.