Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
This verse emphasizes God's nature as slow to anger and abundant in mercy, which could contradict with the immediate warning of not pardoning transgressions in Exodus 23:21.
Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Psalm 86:5
This verse highlights God's readiness to forgive, which may seem at odds with the notion of not pardoning transgressions.
Psalm 86:5: For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
This verse speaks of God abundantly pardoning the wicked who return to Him, contrasting with the strict warning in Exodus 23:21.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Contradiction with Micah 7:18
This verse describes God as one who delights in mercy, contrasting the stern warning in Exodus 23:21.
Micah 7:18: Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
Contradiction with Ephesians 1:7
This verse speaks of redemption and forgiveness through grace, which could be seen as conflicting with Exodus 23:21's instruction.
Ephesians 1:7: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
This verse promises forgiveness and cleansing from sin, potentially contradicting the lack of pardon mentioned in Exodus 23:21.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Paradox #1
Exodus 23:21 could be seen as having a theological conflict regarding the nature of obedience and forgiveness. The verse emphasizes strict obedience to God and warns against disobedience because God will not pardon transgressions. This could seem contradictory given that other parts of the Bible emphasize God's willingness to forgive sinners who repent. The tension here is between the severity of divine justice and the mercy of divine forgiveness.
Paradox #2
Exodus 23:21's issue might arise from the instruction to obey an angel because elsewhere the Bible emphasizes direct obedience to God alone. This may seem inconsistent with monotheistic teachings that stress worshipping no intermediary beings.