Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 2:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 2:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 2:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the author of the book, Reuel, also known as Jethro, was surprised to see his daughters return so quickly from their work. He wondered why they were back so soon that day.

Exodus 2:18: And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How [is it that] ye are come so soon to day? [Reuel: called also Jethro, or, Jether]

Contradiction with Genesis 26:24

In Genesis 26:24, God reassures Isaac of the covenant with Abraham, which creates a lineage context contrasting with the identity aspect of "Reuel" in Exodus 2:18, due to differing family affiliations.

Genesis 26:24: And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I [am] with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

Contradiction with Numbers 10:29

Numbers 10:29 names Hobab as the son of Reuel, raising confusion with the identity and familial role in Exodus 2:18, as it refers to Reuel as the priest of Midian's "father's house."

Numbers 10:29: And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.

Contradiction with Judges 4:11

Judges 4:11 refers to Hobab as Moses' father-in-law, creating a contradiction with Exodus 2:18 where Reuel is identified in that role.

Judges 4:11: Now Heber the Kenite, [which was] of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which [is] by Kedesh.
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