Contradiction with Exodus 20:9-10
These verses allow work for six days but explicitly prohibit work on the Sabbath, which aligns with Exodus 34:21 about resting on the seventh day, creating no direct contradiction.
Exodus 20:9-10: Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Contradiction with Exodus 31:15
While this verse also emphasizes Sabbath rest, it adds the consequence of death for not observing it, which intensifies the requirement compared to Exodus 34:21, rather than contradicting it.
Exodus 31:15: Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. [holy: Heb. holiness]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 20:12
Serves as a reminder of the Sabbath as a sign between God and Israel, reinforcing rather than contradicting the rest requirement stated in Exodus 34:21.
Ezekiel 20:12: Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:1-2
Describes disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees saw as unlawful; this narrative challenges strict Sabbath rest observance, seeming to contradict the requirement of rest in Exodus 34:21.
Matthew 12:1-2: At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
Paradox #1
Exodus 34:21 advises resting on the Sabbath. A possible contradiction is the varying Sabbath laws and rules across the Bible, such as in the New Testament, where Jesus heals on the Sabbath, suggesting a more flexible understanding. This might seem inconsistent with the strict rest command.
Paradox #2
Exodus 34:21 emphasizes the importance of resting one day a week, even during busy times like planting and harvesting. A potential contradiction is with verses where continuous work is sometimes depicted as a necessity or virtue. Some might see this as conflicting with situations where work is prioritized without mention of rest. However, such interpretations often consider context and broader teachings to resolve perceived conflicts.
Paradox #3
Exodus 34:21 talks about resting on the Sabbath, even during busy times like plowing or harvest. The potential contradiction is with other verses that suggest some work might be allowed on the Sabbath, like preparing food (Exodus 16:23), or Jesus healing on the Sabbath in the New Testament, which shows a more flexible approach to Sabbath rest. These differences can be seen as inconsistent interpretations of what is considered acceptable work on the Sabbath.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in this verse could be the emphasis on resting on the Sabbath, even during busy or critical times like plowing and harvest. This can conflict with the need to work continuously in agriculture to ensure food security, suggesting a situation where adhering to religious rules might come at the cost of practical needs. Some might see this as a clash between religious observance and real-world responsibilities.