Contradiction with Colossians 2:16-17
These verses suggest that believers should not let anyone judge them regarding religious festivals, including the Sabbath, which contradicts the special importance of Sabbath emphasized in Exodus 31:13.
Colossians 2:16-17: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]
Contradiction with Romans 14:5
This verse indicates that each person considers one day more sacred than another, giving individual discretion over observance, contrasting with the strict commandment in Exodus 31:13.
Romans 14:5: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [fully persuaded: or, fully assured]
Contradiction with Galatians 4:9-10
These verses criticize the observance of days and months as a return to weak principles, opposing the perpetual covenant of Sabbath rest outlined in Exodus 31:13.
Galatians 4:9-10: But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [turn ye again: or, turn ye back] [elements: or, rudiments]
Contradiction with Hebrews 4:9-10
These verses speak of a spiritual rest for the people of God, suggesting a rest that supersedes the traditional Sabbath rest mandated in Exodus 31:13.
Hebrews 4:9-10: There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. [rest: or, keeping of a sabbath]
Paradox #1
Exodus 31:13 discusses the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign between God and the Israelites. A potential contradiction could arise with New Testament teachings, particularly in Colossians 2:16-17, where Paul suggests that Christians should not be judged based on observing religious festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths. This could create a conflict for some believers about whether strictly observing the Sabbath is necessary under the new covenant established by Jesus.
Paradox #2
Exodus 31:13 talks about observing the Sabbath as a sign between God and the people of Israel. A historical conflict related to this could involve the different ways the Sabbath has been understood and observed over time. Jewish traditions emphasize Saturday as the Sabbath, while many Christian denominations observe Sunday as their day of rest and worship, citing Jesus' resurrection. This difference in practice has led to debates and conflicts about which day should be considered the true Sabbath.
Paradox #3
The moral conflict in Exodus 31:13 could be seen in the emphasis on strict Sabbath observance, which might seem inconsistent with the values of compassion and mercy. Some might argue that forbidding work on the Sabbath, even for acts of kindness or necessary assistance, conflicts with the moral principle of helping others in need. This can present a challenge when balancing strict religious observance with ethical considerations of empathy and practical benevolence.