Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 40:35

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 40:35 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 40:35. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the author of the book, God’s presence in the form of a cloud was so special and powerful that it filled the tent, and Moses couldn’t go inside because of it. This showed how amazing and mighty God is to the people.

Exodus 40:35: And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:11

This verse states that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, whereas Exodus 40:35 states Moses was not able to enter the tent of the congregation because of the cloud.

1 Kings 8:11: So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

Contradiction with Leviticus 16:2

Here, it specifies that Aaron could not enter the holy place whenever he chose, which differs from Exodus 40:35 where Moses was unable to enter due to the cloud covering the tabernacle.

Leviticus 16:2: And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

Contradiction with Numbers 12:5-8

God spoke directly to Moses mouth to mouth, even when facing the cloud, yet Exodus 40:35 indicates Moses could not enter because the cloud covered the tabernacle.

Numbers 12:5-8: And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood [in] the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

Contradiction with Exodus 24:18

Moses enters the cloud when receiving the tablets on Mount Sinai, contrasting with Exodus 40:35 where he couldn’t enter the tent because of the cloud.

Exodus 24:18: And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

Contradiction with Exodus 33:9-11

Moses could enter the tent and speak with the LORD face to face even when the cloudy pillar stood, conflicting with Exodus 40:35 where he could not enter due to the cloud.

Exodus 33:9-11: And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood [at] the door of the tabernacle, and [the LORD] talked with Moses.

Paradox #1

Exodus 40:35 might seem inconsistent with other passages when considering the access to God's presence. In some verses, like earlier in Exodus, Moses frequently enters God's presence without any hindrance, while in Exodus 40:35, he cannot enter the tent of meeting because the cloud of God's glory fills it. This difference can raise questions about God's accessibility and the conditions needed for someone to enter His presence.

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