Exodus 34:3 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, God wanted everyone to stay away from the mountain because something special was going to happen there, just between God and Moses. Even animals had to stay far away to show respect and keep the area quiet and special.

Contradiction with Exodus 24:1

This verse invites Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel to come up the mountain, which contrasts with the instruction for Moses to come alone in Exodus 34:3.

Exodus 24:1: And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.

Contradiction with Exodus 24:2

It states Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but others can worship from afar, which partly contradicts the exclusion of everyone else from the mountain in Exodus 34:3.

Exodus 24:2: And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.

Contradiction with Matthew 17:1

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up onto a high mountain, showing a group ascending for a divine encounter, contrasting with the solitary ascent in Exodus 34:3.

Matthew 17:1: And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:4–5

Describes how God spoke to the whole assembly out of the fire on the mountain, indicating a communal experience differing from the exclusive approach in Exodus 34:3.

Deuteronomy 5:4–5:

Contradiction with Mark 9:2

Similar to Matthew, this passage describes Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, illustrating a shared experience in contrast with Moses being instructed to go alone.

Mark 9:2: And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Paradox #1

Exodus 34:3 might seem to conflict with earlier instructions about who can approach or be near Mount Sinai during significant events. While earlier passages might describe different scenarios regarding proximity to sacred areas, this verse emphasizes strict limits, which could appear inconsistent with descriptions of who can come close in other contexts. Such differences can be understood as variations in context or emphasis on the holiness of the moment.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or inconsistency might arise from the directive given, which could be seen as exclusionary or authoritarian. It may conflict with the idea of community involvement or shared religious experience because it imposes a restriction on who can be present during an important event. This could be perceived as at odds with other teachings that emphasize inclusivity and communal participation.