Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 4:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 4:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 4:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Exodus, Moses asked his father-in-law Jethro if he could go back to Egypt to see his family, and Jethro agreed and wished him well on his journey. This shows that Moses was respectful and caring, and Jethro was understanding and kind.

Exodus 4:18: And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which [are] in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. [Jethro: Heb. Jether]

Contradiction with Genesis 31:20

Like Moses left Midian without informing Jethro, Jacob left Laban secretly.

Genesis 31:20: And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. [unawares...: Heb. the heart of Laban]

Contradiction with Numbers 22:13

Instead of permission, Balaam immediately conformed to God's command unlike Moses who asked Jethro's leave.

Numbers 22:13: And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 19:20

Unlike Moses, Elisha followed Elijah without seeking family approval.

1 Kings 19:20: And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? [Go...: Heb. Go return]

Contradiction with Luke 9:59-60

Jesus instructs to follow without seeking familial consent, unlike Moses asking Jethro's leave.

Luke 9:59-60: And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Paradox #1

One possible inconsistency is the timing of Moses’ return to Egypt. In this part of the story, Moses already receives God's command at the burning bush and decides to return to Egypt. However, it seems he might not have informed Jethro, his father-in-law, about the true nature of his mission, possibly suggesting a lack of transparency or a different sequence in events compared to other parts of the narrative.

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