Contradiction with Deuteronomy 16:16
This verse contradicts Exodus 23:16 in the timing and number of feasts. It mandates three appearances before the Lord (the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles) without mentioning the specifics of the Feast of Ingathering as in Exodus 23:16.
Deuteronomy 16:16: Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:
Contradiction with Nehemiah 8:17-18
This passage contradicts Exodus 23:16 as it describes the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) with great joy, extending the duration beyond what is indicated in Exodus, and focusing on the reading of the Law rather than the harvest aspect.
Nehemiah 8:17-18: And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.
Contradiction with Leviticus 23:34-36
This verse contradicts Exodus 23:16 in its description of the duration and offerings of the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing different religious practices and timeline compared to the ingathering in Exodus.
Leviticus 23:34-36: Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month [shall be] the feast of tabernacles [for] seven days unto the LORD.
Contradiction with Numbers 28:26
This verse focuses on the offerings during the Feast of Weeks, which emphasizes sacrifices rather than the harvest element emphasized in Exodus 23:16.
Numbers 28:26: Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks [be out], ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 8:13
This passage contradicts by specifying the offerings for more detailed festival times (including the Sabbath and New Moons) than those listed in Exodus 23:16.
2 Chronicles 8:13: Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, [even] in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.
Paradox #1
Exodus 23:16 speaks about festivals and harvests prescribed in the context of ancient agricultural society. Historically, a contradiction or inconsistency may arise when comparing these agricultural festivals to other ancient Near Eastern cultures' practices, showing influence or differences in traditions. Additionally, some might see inconsistencies in how these festivals are observed or mentioned in different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Exodus 23:16 could arise from the idea of dedicating specific celebrations and offerings to God, which might conflict with some interpretations of religious freedom or the use of resources in religious practices. Some may see this as a conflict with personal autonomy or differing beliefs about resource allocation.