Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 38:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 38:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 38:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, who is believed to have written this part of the Bible, the verse talks about making a special metal net for the altar, which is like a big barbecue grill. This net was put in a way so that it reached halfway up the altar to help in burning the offerings.

Exodus 38:4: And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:4

This verse commands not to make any graven images or likenesses, potentially contradicting the detailed craftsmanship described for the altar in Exodus 38:4.

Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:

Contradiction with Acts 17:24

States that God does not dwell in temples made with hands, contrasting the importance and sacred space allocated to altars like the one in Exodus 38:4.

Acts 17:24: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Contradiction with Matthew 5:34-35

Suggests not to swear by earthly things, including altars, which may question the emphasis on constructing and dedicating such structures as described in Exodus 38:4.

Matthew 5:34-35: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:22

Indicates God did not speak to the Israelites about sacrifices when bringing them out of Egypt, conflicting with the detailed sacrificial system supported by constructions like the altar in Exodus 38:4.

Jeremiah 7:22: For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: [concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of]

Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11

Questions the value of burnt offerings and sacrifices, contrasting with the detailed construction of an altar for sacrifice in Exodus 38:4.

Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
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