Contradiction with Exodus 9:12
In Exodus 8:15, Pharaoh hardens his own heart, while in Exodus 9:12 it is the LORD who hardens Pharaoh's heart.
Exodus 9:12: And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.
Contradiction with Romans 9:18
Romans 9:18 states that God has mercy on whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants, contradicting the idea of Pharaoh hardening his own heart in Exodus 8:15.
Romans 9:18: Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 6:6
It asks why we should harden our hearts like Egyptians and Pharaoh, suggesting that their actions were willful, countering Exodus 8:15 where Pharaoh is blamed directly.
1 Samuel 6:6: Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? [wonderfully: or, reproachfully] [the people: Heb. them]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 30:6
It implies that God takes an active role in transforming the hearts of people, contrasting with Exodus 8:15’s implication of Pharaoh’s self-hardened heart.
Deuteronomy 30:6: And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 36:26
This verse speaks about God giving a new heart and spirit, suggesting transformation is divine rather than human-driven, opposing the notion of self-hardening in Exodus 8:15.
Ezekiel 36:26: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Contradiction with Hebrews 3:15
Encourages not to harden your hearts, implying it’s within personal control, which contradicts the view of God hardening hearts as developed later in the Exodus narrative.
Hebrews 3:15: While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Paradox #1
Exodus 8:15 might show a contradiction in human nature versus divine will. It highlights a person’s stubbornness and failure to change their behavior, even after experiencing divine intervention. This can conflict with the idea that experiencing God’s power leads to repentance or transformation. The contradiction lies in expecting change yet seeing hardened hearts instead.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Exodus 8:15 could be related to the idea of God's hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. This raises questions about free will and God's role in human actions. Some people might see a conflict between the idea of humans having free will and God's direct involvement in influencing decisions, as it suggests Pharaoh didn't truly have a choice. However, interpretations can vary widely.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Exodus 8:15 could be that Pharaoh's heart hardening is viewed as either a choice he freely makes or as something God causes. This brings up the conflict between free will and divine intervention: Is Pharaoh responsible for his actions if God has hardened his heart? This tension between human freedom and God's will can be seen as inconsistent or conflicting in terms of moral accountability.