Contradiction with Romans 3:23
This verse states that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, which contradicts Exodus 34:9 where Moses asks for God to pardon Israel’s iniquity and take them as His inheritance, suggesting a unique exception.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that the soul that sins shall die and that the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, contradicting Exodus 34:9, where Moses asks God to forgive the collective guilt of the people.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
This verse asserts individual responsibility for sin, saying each will die for their own sin, contrasting Exodus 34:9, where there is a plea for forgiving the people's communal sin.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Contradiction with Isaiah 59:2
States that iniquities separate people from God, contrasting the plea in Exodus 34:9 where Moses asks for a close relationship with God despite the people's sin.
Isaiah 59:2: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. [have hid: or, have made him hide]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:30
Asserts that each will die for their own sin, contrasting Exodus 34:9’s request for collective forgiveness.
Jeremiah 31:30: But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:7
States that God will not justify the wicked, which appears at odds with Exodus 34:9, where Moses asks for forgiveness for a stiff-necked people.
Exodus 23:7: Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Contradiction with Proverbs 17:15
Declares justifying the wicked is an abomination, contrasting Exodus 34:9’s plea for God’s mercy on a sinful people.
Proverbs 17:15: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.
Contradiction with Nahum 1:3
Says the Lord will not acquit the wicked, contrasting with Exodus 34:9 where Moses appeals for forgiveness.
Nahum 1:3: The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.
Paradox #1
Exodus 34:9 presents a plea for forgiveness and mercy despite the presence of a "stiff-necked" or stubborn people. One potential contradiction might be the tension between God's justice and God's mercy. On one hand, God is portrayed as just, requiring adherence to rules and consequences for wrongdoing. On the other hand, this verse highlights God's mercy and willingness to forgive, even when people are stubborn. Balancing justice and mercy can seem contradictory, as justice would call for punishment while mercy seeks forgiveness.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Exodus 34:9 could be seen in the request for forgiveness for a stubborn and rebellious people. It raises questions about the fairness of forgiving continuous wrongdoing without immediate consequences, and whether this encourages irresponsible behavior. The request for mercy despite faults may conflict with ideas of justice or accountability.