Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 33:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 33:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 33:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the author of Exodus, when the people heard the bad news from God, they became very sad and didn't wear their nice clothes or jewelry. They felt sorry and wanted to show they were upset and cared about what God said.

Exodus 33:4: And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:2

While Exodus 33:4 explains the people's mourning upon hearing the bad news from God, Numbers 14:2 shows the Israelites complaining and wishing they had died in Egypt or the wilderness instead of trusting God's promise of the Promised Land.

Numbers 14:2: And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!

Contradiction with Hebrews 3:18-19

Contradicts the mourning theme of Exodus 33:4 by highlighting that the Israelites who heard God's voice were ultimately denied entry into the Promised Land due to unbelief, demonstrating disobedience rather than genuine repentance.

Hebrews 3:18-19: And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

Contradiction with Psalm 106:24-25

Instead of mourning as in Exodus 33:4, this verse recounts how the Israelites despised the Promised Land and did not believe God's word, opting to murmur in their tents and disobey God.

Psalm 106:24-25: Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: [the pleasant...: Heb. a land of desire]

Contradiction with Exodus 32:9

Following Exodus 33:4's theme of mourning, Exodus 32:9 highlights a previous occasion where God called the Israelites a "stiffnecked people," emphasizing that their overall behavior was more stubborn than contrite.

Exodus 32:9: And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:
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