Contradiction with Exodus 4:24-26
These verses contradict Exodus 4:19 where God tells Moses to return to Egypt because he seeks to kill him for not circumcising his son.
Exodus 4:24-26: And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.
Contradiction with Exodus 3:18-21
Here, God assures that the Israelites will listen to Moses, which contrasts the danger implied in Exodus 4:19.
Exodus 3:18-21: And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Exodus 4:19 might arise when comparing it to earlier passages in Exodus. Earlier, God tells Moses that the people who wanted to kill him in Egypt are dead. However, after this, there is a later verse where it seems that Moses’ return and his interaction with Pharaoh still involve danger and opposition, suggesting those seeking his life might still be relevant. This could seem inconsistent with the earlier assurance of safety.