Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 19:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 19:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 19:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Exodus, God told Moses to warn the people not to come too close or try to see Him, because doing so might cause them to get hurt or die. Moses needed to make sure everyone stayed safe by keeping their distance.

Exodus 19:21: And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. [charge: Heb. contest]

Contradiction with Exodus 33:11

The LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a friend, suggesting an intimate and approachable presence.

Exodus 33:11: And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Contradiction with Hebrews 4:16

Encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Hebrews 4:16: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Contradiction with James 4:8

Invites believers to draw near to God, promising He will draw near in return.

James 4:8: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Contradiction with Matthew 11:28

Jesus invites all who are weary to come to Him, offering rest and suggesting an open, welcoming presence.

Matthew 11:28: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:16

Emphasizes that God is love, and those who are in love abide in God, promoting closeness rather than restriction.

1 John 4:16: And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Paradox #1

Exodus 19:21 involves God instructing Moses to warn the people not to force their way up the mountain to see God, or many of them will perish. A potential moral conflict may arise from the idea of a loving God imposing severe consequences for curiosity or the desire to encounter the divine, which might be seen as discouraging a quest for closeness or understanding. This could be seen as inconsistent with messages of encouragement for seeking a relationship with God.

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