Contradiction with Exodus 3:18
Exodus 3:18 states that the elders of Israel will listen to Moses and accompany him to Pharaoh, but Exodus 5:3 does not mention the elders and focuses on Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh.
Exodus 3:18: 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.
Contradiction with Exodus 4:31
Exodus 4:31 indicates that the people believed Moses and Aaron after hearing about God's attention to their suffering, while in Exodus 5:3 Pharaoh dismisses their request, indicating disbelief.
Exodus 4:31: And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Contradiction with Exodus 6:9
In Exodus 6:9, the Israelites do not listen to Moses due to their despondency, contradicting the cooperation implied in Exodus 5:3.
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 Exodus 6:11
God instructs Moses in Exodus 6:11 to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, similar to Exodus 5:3, but this time without the threat of plagues, indicating a different approach.
Exodus 6:11: Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.
Contradiction with Exodus 7:16
Exodus 7:16 involves a command to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go without initially threatening plagues, whereas Exodus 5:3 mentions the risk of pestilence or the sword, showing a more aggressive stance.
Exodus 7:16: And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.
Paradox #1
Exodus 5:3 involves a request to Pharaoh for the Israelites to go into the wilderness to sacrifice to God, claiming they might be punished with plagues or sword if they don't. A potential contradiction arises because earlier in Exodus, God tells Moses that the real purpose is to escape slavery, which might seem deceptive. This discrepancy raises questions about the true intention conveyed to Pharaoh.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Exodus 5:3 could relate to the demand for a temporary release to worship versus the continuous duty of serving the Pharaoh, raising a conflict between religious obligations and secular duties. This may also reflect a tension between freedom of worship and oppressive labor conditions.