Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 3:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 3:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 3:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God promised to be with him and showed him a sign to prove it was really God sending him. God said that after Moses helped free the people from Egypt, they would come back to the same mountain to worship God together.

Exodus 3:12: And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Contradiction with Matthew 28:20

While Exodus 3:12 assures Moses of God's presence specifically during his mission, Matthew 28:20 speaks of Jesus' presence being with his followers always, contradicting the specificity of God's presence only during a particular task.

Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Contradiction with Psalm 46:1

Exodus 3:12 promises God's presence during Moses' mission, whereas Psalm 46:1 assures God's constant presence in trouble, suggesting a broader scope of divine support.

Psalm 46:1: [To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.] God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [for: or, of]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 31:6

In Exodus 3:12, God's assurance is tied to a specific event, but Deuteronomy 31:6 extends God's presence and support as a broader, ongoing promise.

Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10

While Exodus 3:12 limits God's presence to the context of Moses' mission, Isaiah 41:10 emphasizes God's support and presence at all times, a more general promise to believers.

Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5

Exodus 3:12 gives a specific assurance for Moses' mission, whereas Hebrews 13:5 provides a continuous assurance of God's presence and support, indicating permanency rather than conditionality.

Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Paradox #1

There is a contradiction regarding the timeline of events. In this verse, God promises Moses that after leading the Israelites out of Egypt, they would worship at Mount Sinai. However, given that the Israelites were still enslaved in Egypt and had not yet been freed, the promise of worshiping at Mount Sinai could seem premature or confusing as a sign of assurance. Some may see it as inconsistent compared to the immediate issues at hand in the narrative.

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