Contradiction with Genesis 15:18
Exodus 6:4 mentions God's promise to give the land of Canaan, but Genesis 15:18 expands this promise to include a much larger territory, contradicting the specific area referenced in Exodus.
Genesis 15:18: In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Contradiction with Genesis 17:8
In Genesis 17:8, the land is given as "an everlasting possession," whereas Exodus 6:4 does not specify it as everlasting, leading to a discrepancy in the nature of the promise.
Genesis 17:8: And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. [wherein...: Heb. of thy sojournings]
Contradiction with Exodus 3:17
Exodus 3:17 claims God will bring the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey, which could contradict Exodus 6:4 where it is merely described as a promise, without emphasizing wealth or abundance.
Exodus 3:17: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.
Contradiction with Joshua 21:43-45
Joshua claims that God had already fulfilled the land promise, contradicting the ongoing nature of the promise implied in Exodus 6:4.
Joshua 21:43-45: And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.
Contradiction with Numbers 33:53
Numbers states that the Israelites will possess the land by driving out its inhabitants, contradicting the promise aspect in Exodus 6:4 as it implies action is needed on Israel's part, not just a granted gift.
Numbers 33:53: And ye shall dispossess [the inhabitants] of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.
Paradox #1
Exodus 6:4 talks about God establishing a covenant with the Israelites to give them the land of Canaan. A historical inconsistency might arise when comparing this with archaeological evidence or other historical records. Some scholars argue that there is limited archaeological evidence to support a large-scale settlement of Israelites in Canaan during the time traditionally ascribed to the Exodus. This might lead to questions about the timing and historical accuracy of the biblical narrative.