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.