Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:35
Exodus 34:12 warns against making covenants with inhabitants of the land, while 2 Kings 17:35 recounts the covenant the LORD made with the Israelites, wherein He commanded them not to fear other gods, suggesting a different context on covenants.
2 Kings 17:35: With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
Contradiction with Joshua 9:15
Exodus 34:12 advises against making covenants, yet Joshua 9:15 describes the Israelites making a peace treaty with the Gibeonites, showcasing disobedience to that warning.
Joshua 9:15: And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.
Contradiction with Judges 2:2
In contrast to Exodus 34:12 cautioning against covenants, Judges 2:2 highlights how the Israelites violated God’s directive by making treaties with the people in the land.
Judges 2:2: And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
While Exodus 34:12 warns against covenants, Deuteronomy 7:2 commands the Israelites to utterly destroy their enemies and make no covenants, underlining the gravity and consistency of the instruction, yet presenting a contrast in subsequent actions by the Israelites.
Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
Contradiction with 1 Kings 5:12
This verse highlights that King Solomon made a covenant with Hiram, king of Tyre, contrasting with the directive in Exodus 34:12 to avoid making such agreements with the land’s inhabitants.
1 Kings 5:12: And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 9:2
Whereas Exodus 34:12 advises not making covenants with the people of the land, Nehemiah 9:2 depicts the Israelites separating themselves from foreigners in repentance for prior disobedience, indicating an acknowledgment of past contradictions.
Nehemiah 9:2: And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. [strangers: Heb. strange children]
Paradox #1
Exodus 34:12 warns against making treaties with the people living in the land. A possible contradiction might be seen when compared to other parts of the Bible that show Israelites making agreements with different peoples, such as in Joshua 9 where a treaty is made with the Gibeonites. This can appear inconsistent with the command to avoid such alliances.
Paradox #2
Exodus 34:12 could be seen as conflicting with other verses that promote love and acceptance towards others, as it warns against forming alliances with certain groups. This might be seen as inconsistent with messages about loving your neighbor or loving your enemies found in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #3
Exodus 34:12 advises not to make agreements with other groups living in the land to prevent falling into their ways. A potential contradiction might be that other parts of the Bible describe instances where Israelites made covenants or alliances with neighboring groups, which could seem inconsistent with this advice.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in Exodus 34:12 could be the idea of separation or exclusion of different groups. The verse might seem in conflict with other biblical themes of love, inclusion, and treating all people with kindness and fairness. This creates tension between forming community identity and how to interact with outsiders.