Contradiction with Exodus 22:29-30
This verse commands not to delay offering the firstborn of animals and crops, indicating that sacrifices should be made promptly, unlike the hesitation depicted in Exodus 8:26 due to fear of offending Egyptians.
Exodus 22:29-30: Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. [the first...: Heb. thy fulness] [liquors: Heb. tear]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22
This verse emphasizes obedience over sacrifice – contradicting Exodus 8:26, where the focus is on the need for and potential impact of the act of sacrifice itself.
1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
God expresses displeasure with the multitude of sacrifices, suggesting they are burdensome, which contrasts with Exodus 8:26's notion that the sacrifice was paramount despite potential offense.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Contradiction with Psalm 50:8-13
States that God does not need animal sacrifices for His sustenance, which opposes the implication in Exodus 8:26 that sacrifices are crucial for pleasing God regardless of consequences.
Psalm 50:8-13: I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, [to have been] continually before me.
Paradox #1
Exodus 8:26 might seem inconsistent because it suggests that the sacrifices the Israelites want to make would be offensive to the Egyptians. This might raise a question: if God commands these sacrifices, why would He put the Israelites in a position of causing offense or danger? This could appear contradictory to God's protection and guidance.
Paradox #2
Exodus 8:26 might present a contradiction or inconsistency related to religious practices. In this verse, Moses expresses concern that the Israelites’ sacrifices would be offensive to the Egyptians, possibly causing conflict. This situation may seem inconsistent with the idea that God, who instructs these sacrifices, would ensure the protection and acceptance of His followers in carrying out His commands.
Paradox #3
Some scholars point out a potential contradiction regarding animal sacrifices in Exodus 8:26. In this verse, Moses suggests that the Egyptians would find the Hebrews' sacrifices offensive, implying that they worship different animals. However, elsewhere in the Bible, sacrifices are portrayed as a more accepted or common practice among various cultures. This can create confusion about why the Egyptians would have a particular issue with it in this context.
Paradox #4
Exodus 8:26 involves a situation where performing certain religious sacrifices would be offensive to the Egyptians. A potential contradiction here could be the conflict between the need to practice one's own religious beliefs and the need to respect the cultural or religious sensitivities of others. On one hand, there is a commitment to one's own faith, while on the other hand, there is a duty to avoid offending others. This could create tension between religious devotion and cultural respect.