Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 8:28

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 8:28 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 8:28. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Exodus, Pharaoh is saying that the people can go worship their God, but they can't go too far, and he also asks them to pray for him. This shows Pharaoh is trying to keep control while wanting God's help.

Exodus 8:28: And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.

Contradiction with Exodus 8:1

God commands Pharaoh to let the Israelites go completely, contradicting Pharaoh's offer to let them go a short distance.

Exodus 8:1: And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Contradiction with Exodus 9:1

God again commands for the Israelites to be freed without restriction, while Exodus 8:28 suggests a limited freedom.

Exodus 9:1: Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Contradiction with Exodus 10:24

Pharaoh offers a compromise similar to Exodus 8:28, but God's command remains for total liberation, indicating the insufficient compromise in 8:28.

Exodus 10:24: And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.

Contradiction with Exodus 5:1

God's initial demand is for total freedom for worship, directly conflicting with the limited allowance in Exodus 8:28.

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 12:31-32

Contradicts Exodus 8:28 as Pharaoh finally agrees to let the Israelites go entirely as originally demanded by God.

Exodus 12:31-32: And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, [and] get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

Paradox #1

Exodus 8:28 could present a moral inconsistency when considering free will versus divine intervention. Pharaoh agrees to let the Israelites go to worship God, but later changes his mind after the plague is lifted. On one hand, it can be seen as people making choices freely, while on the other, it suggests God hardening Pharaoh's heart, influencing his decisions, which raises questions about personal responsibility and divine influence over human actions.

← Exodus 8:27
Share
Exodus 8:29 →
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.