Contradiction with Exodus 27:3
This verse discusses bronze utensils for the altar but does not mention mirrors, focusing on items meant for altar service only.
Exodus 27:3: And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass.
Contradiction with Numbers 4:14
Describes altar service items made of brass but not mirrors, emphasizing utensil use without acknowledging any contribution from mirrors.
Numbers 4:14: And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, [even] the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it. [basons: or, bowls]
Contradiction with Exodus 25:3
Specifies materials for offerings, including brass, but does not account for mirrors, which suggests a discrepancy in what is listed as contributions for tabernacle construction.
Exodus 25:3: And this [is] the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, [offering: or, heave offering]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 7:45
Lists temple items made of brass crafted by Hiram, excluding mirrors, which highlights the difference in narrative regarding the use and purpose of brass.
1 Kings 7:45: And the pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the LORD, [were of] bright brass. [bright: Heb. made bright or, scoured]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 4:16
Refers to Solomon’s temple items made of brass, not mentioning mirrors, thus contradicting the specific source of brass noted in Exodus 38:8.
2 Chronicles 4:16: The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass. [bright: Heb. made bright, or, scoured]
Paradox #1
Some contradictions or inconsistencies related to this could involve the use of mirrors in ancient times, as described in the verse. Specifically, mirrors would have been made from polished metal, typically bronze, and some might argue that the level of craftsmanship described might not align with what is known from archaeological findings about the technology and resources available to the Israelites at that time. Additionally, there might be questions about the Israelites' ability to have such luxury items, given their history of slavery in Egypt.