Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 18:6

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 18:6 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 18:6. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Exodus, this verse shows Jethro telling Moses that he has arrived to visit him, along with Moses’ wife and their two sons. Jethro is letting Moses know that family is important, and being together is special.

Exodus 18:6: And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

Contradiction with Exodus 18:7

This verse explains that Moses went out to greet Jethro, suggesting initiative from Moses, whereas Exodus 18:6 speaks of a message being sent by Jethro asking for an audience.

Exodus 18:7: And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of [their] welfare; and they came into the tent. [welfare: Heb. peace]

Contradiction with Exodus 18:5

This verse states Jethro had already come to where Moses was encamped, which doesn't directly address the need for Jethro to send a message as mentioned in Exodus 18:6.

Exodus 18:5: And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

Contradiction with Exodus 4:18

This verse suggests that Jethro had already approved Moses’s journey to Egypt, indicating established communication and readiness, which may contrast with the need for an introduction in Exodus 18:6.

Exodus 4:18: And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which [are] in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. [Jethro: Heb. Jether]

Contradiction with Numbers 12:3

Here we learn of Moses's meekness, implying his approachable nature, potentially contradicting the need for Jethro to formally announce his arrival in Exodus 18:6.

Numbers 12:3: (Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.)

Contradiction with Genesis 31:55

In this verse, Laban directly met Jacob to bless him without needing an intermediary message, contrasting with Jethro's reliance on a messenger as per Exodus 18:6.

Genesis 31:55: And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Paradox #1

The potential inconsistency with Exodus 18:6 relates to varying translations and manuscripts. Some versions of the Bible include a mention of Moses's wife and sons being brought to him by his father-in-law, while others do not specify a messenger or imply different details, leading to differences in interpretation. This might not be a significant contradiction but rather a textual variation.

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