Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 3:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 3:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 3:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God told him to gather the leaders of the Israelites and let them know that He, the God of their ancestors, has seen what is happening to them in Egypt and has come to help.

Exodus 3:16: Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and [seen] that which is done to you in Egypt:

Contradiction with Exodus 3:14

In Exodus 3:16, God instructs Moses to speak to the elders of Israel, indicating their willingness to listen, whereas in Exodus 3:14, God emphasizes His identity with "I AM THAT I AM," which doesn't address the receptiveness of the elders.

Exodus 3:14: And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Contradiction with Exodus 4:1

Moses expresses doubt that the Israelites will believe him, contradicting Exodus 3:16 where God assures Moses they will listen.

Exodus 4:1: And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.

Contradiction with Exodus 6:9

The Israelites do not listen to Moses due to their despondency and harsh slavery, contradicting the belief in their receptiveness depicted in Exodus 3:16.

Exodus 6:9: And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. [anguish: Heb. shortness, or, straitness]

Contradiction with Numbers 14:11

Here, the Lord expresses frustration over the Israelites' lack of belief and trust, contrasting with the promise in Exodus 3:16 that they will heed Moses.

Numbers 14:11: And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Contradiction with Acts 7:25

This verse highlights that the Israelites did not initially understand Moses’ mission, contrasting with the expectation in Exodus 3:16 for their acceptance of Moses' message.

Acts 7:25: For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. [For: or, Now]
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