Contradiction with Exodus 1:1-5
These verses list the descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt and contrast with the growing number of Hebrews mentioned in Exodus 1:19.
Exodus 1:1-5: Now these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
Contradiction with Genesis 12:2
God promises to make Abraham's descendants into a great nation, which contradicts the reasoning of the midwives in Exodus 1:19 about Hebrew women's childbirth.
Genesis 12:2: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
Contradiction with Exodus 3:11
Moses expresses doubt in his ability to lead the Israelites, conflicting with the idea of quickly multiplying people in Exodus 1:19.
Exodus 3:11: And Moses said unto God, Who [am] I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Contradiction with Exodus 3:7-8
God speaks of the suffering of the Israelites, which contradicts the midwives' suggestion of the Hebrews being lively in Exodus 1:19.
Exodus 3:7-8: And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
Paradox #1
Exodus 1:19 might raise a potential contradiction regarding morality and truth. The Hebrew midwives tell Pharaoh a misleading explanation about why they do not kill Hebrew baby boys, which could be seen as lying. This brings up a theological question about whether it's ever acceptable to lie to achieve a good outcome, conflicting with the commandment against bearing false witness. Some may argue this represents a moral conflict about when, if ever, deception is justified.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Exodus 1:19 lies in the explanation given by the Hebrew midwives for not killing the Hebrew male infants. They claim that Hebrew women give birth quickly and deliver before the midwives arrive. Some people might find this inconsistent with the rest of the biblical narrative or unrealistic, questioning whether this account was a truthful report or an excuse to disobey Pharaoh’s orders. Additionally, the courage and ethics of the midwives in defying a king's edict might be seen as conflicting with the expectation of fear-driven compliance in ancient times.
Paradox #3
The main scientific inconsistency with Exodus 1:19 is the explanation of Hebrew women giving birth quickly, without needing assistance. In reality, childbirth varies greatly among individuals and usually requires assistance. This claim doesn't align with medical understanding.
Paradox #4
Exodus 1:19 might be seen as morally contradictory because it involves deceit by the Hebrew midwives to protect newborns from harm. While lying is generally seen as wrong, their actions are portrayed positively because they save lives. This raises a moral question about whether it is acceptable to lie for a good cause.