Contradiction with Exodus 8:15
This verse shows Pharaoh hardening his heart and not letting the people go, contradicting Exodus 8:29, where Moses assures that he will entreat the Lord to remove the flies, implying cooperation.
Exodus 8:15: But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Contradiction with Exodus 8:32
This verse explains how Pharaoh hardened his heart once again and did not let the people go, contrary to Exodus 8:29, which suggests progress towards liberation.
Exodus 8:32: And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.
Contradiction with Exodus 9:7
This verse indicates that Pharaoh's heart was hardened, despite the miracles, contradicting the intention in Exodus 8:29 for relief.
Exodus 9:7: And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.
Contradiction with Exodus 9:34
This recounts Pharaoh hardening his heart, negating any earlier promises or intentions of letting the people go mentioned in Exodus 8:29.
Exodus 9:34: And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
Contradiction with Exodus 10:20
Here, it describes God hardening Pharaoh's heart, contradicting Moses's intermediary role stated in Exodus 8:29.
Exodus 10:20: But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
Paradox #1
Exodus 8:29 is about Moses promising Pharaoh to pray to God to remove the plague of flies, provided Pharaoh stops deceiving and lets the Israelites go. The conflict could come from Pharaoh's repeated refusal even after promising to free the Israelites, highlighting human stubbornness against divine commands. This may seem inconsistent with the expectation that witnessing miracles should lead to obedience. However, this is more about human nature than a contradiction. If considering theological aspects, God hardening Pharaoh’s heart in other parts of Exodus raises questions about free will and responsibility, but this isn't directly discussed in Exodus 8:29 itself. Overall, there is no clear contradiction solely in this verse.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency might be seen in the theme of repeated promises made and broken by Pharaoh in the story. Here, a promise is made to let the people go, but throughout the narrative, Pharaoh repeatedly goes back on his word. This presents a conflict between making commitments and following through with them.