Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 23:5

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 23:5 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 23:5. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, if you see someone you don't like struggling with a heavy load on their donkey, you should stop what you're doing and help them. This teaches us to be kind to everyone, even if we don't get along with them.

Exodus 23:5: If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. [and...: or, wilt thou cease to help him? or, and wouldest cease to leave thy business for him: thou shalt surely leave it to join with him]

Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17

Encourages not to rejoice when your enemy falls, which could contrast with helping their animal in distress.

Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Contradiction with Psalms 58:10

Speaks of the righteous rejoicing when vengeance happens to the wicked, unlike helping an enemy.

Psalms 58:10: The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Contradiction with Nahum 1:2

The Lord is described as avenging against foes, which contrasts with aiding one's enemy.

Nahum 1:2: God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies. [God...: or, The LORD is a jealous God, and a revenger, etc] [is furious: Heb. that hath fury]

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21

Advises giving food and drink to an enemy in need, showing kindness rather than immediate help.

Proverbs 25:21: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Paradox #1

The contradiction in this verse might be that it asks someone to help an enemy, while other parts of the Bible discuss justice and retribution against wrongdoers. This could seem inconsistent to some, as it blends mercy with justice in complex human relationships.

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