Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 33:2

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 33:2 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 33:2. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God promised to send an angel to help the people by clearing the bad guys out of their way. This meant God would help them travel safely to their special new home.

Exodus 33:2: And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

Contradiction with Exodus 33:14

Contradicts Exodus 33:2 as it states God's presence will go with the people, whereas Exodus 33:2 suggests an angel will go before them instead of God Himself.

Exodus 33:14: And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 31:6

This verse emphasizes God's direct presence and assurance with the people, contradicting Exodus 33:2 where an angel is mentioned instead of God's presence.

Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Contradiction with Isaiah 43:2

Indicates that God Himself will be with the people through trials, contradicting the implication in Exodus 33:2 that only an angel will go before them.

Isaiah 43:2: When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Contradiction with Matthew 28:20

Jesus promises His continual presence with His followers to the end of the age, contrasting Exodus 33:2 where an angel is designated to go ahead of the people.

Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Paradox #1

One potential contradiction in Exodus 33:2 could be the idea of God's presence. In this verse, God promises to send an angel to lead the Israelites, but later in the chapter, God reassures Moses with His own presence. This might seem inconsistent because it raises questions about the nature of God's leadership and presence with His people—whether it is through an angel or directly by God Himself.

Paradox #2

Exodus 33:2 might seem morally contradictory or inconsistent because it talks about God sending an angel to drive out certain people from the land to give it to the Israelites. This could raise questions about the fairness and morality of displacing one group of people to benefit another. Some might see this as conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God who treats all people equally.

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