Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 5:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 5:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 5:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Moses and Aaron asked the king of Egypt to let the Israelites go free so they could have a special celebration to honor God in the desert. They were following God's instructions to help their people.

Exodus 5:1: And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

Contradiction with Exodus 4:21

This verse shows God hardening Pharaoh's heart, whereas Exodus 5:1 implies that Pharaoh has the free will to let the Israelites go.

Exodus 4:21: And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

Contradiction with Romans 9:17-18

These verses state that God raised Pharaoh for the purpose of displaying God's power, contrasting Exodus 5:1's implication of human decision-making.

Romans 9:17-18: For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Contradiction with Isaiah 46:10

This verse talks about God's will always prevailing, which contradicts the implication in Exodus 5:1 that Pharaoh has the authority to oppose God's demand.

Isaiah 46:10: Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Contradiction with Exodus 9:12

This verse states that God hardened Pharaoh's heart, which contradicts the request made in Exodus 5:1 that seems open-ended and dependent on Pharaoh's choices.

Exodus 9:12: And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.

Paradox #1

Exodus 5:1 involves Moses and Aaron speaking to Pharaoh, asking for the Israelites to be let go to hold a festival in the wilderness. A potential contradiction or inconsistency could be related to the lack of evidence outside the biblical text for the large-scale exodus of Israelites from Egypt. While the story is central to biblical narrative, some historians and archaeologists find little corroboration in Egyptian records or archaeological evidence for the event as described, leading to debates about its historical accuracy.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict in Exodus 5:1 could be that while Moses and Aaron are following God's command to free the Israelites, this action leads to increased suffering for the Israelites initially, as Pharaoh responds by making their work harder. This presents a moral dilemma of whether it's right to follow a directive that, in the short term, causes harm to the people it intends to help.

← Exodus 4:31
Share
Exodus 5:2 →
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.