Contradiction with Jeremiah 13:25
It contradicts the notion of wandering or deception by highlighting divine punishment for falsehood.
Jeremiah 13:25: This [is] thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.
Contradiction with Proverbs 12:22
This verse emphasizes God's disdain for lying lips, contrary to Abraham’s deceit in Genesis 20:13.
Proverbs 12:22: Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:16
The commandment against bearing false witness contradicts Abraham's claim that God caused him to wander and deceive.
Exodus 20:16: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Paradox #1
Genesis 20:13 might raise a theological inconsistency because it suggests that Abraham claims God caused him to wander, which some could interpret as attributing to God an active role in deceptive actions, specifically in how Abraham presents Sarah as his sister. This can be conflicting because it touches on the nature of God's involvement in human decisions and actions that seem morally questionable. People might struggle with the idea of a God encouraging or permitting deception, which can clash with characteristics typically attributed to God, such as truthfulness and righteousness.
Paradox #2
Genesis 20:13 involves Abraham speaking about his actions and decisions. A possible contradiction could relate to the theme of truthfulness. In the Bible, honesty is often emphasized, but in this scenario, Abraham's actions and the way he bends the truth might seem inconsistent with the teaching of being truthful. This could create a tension between his actions and the broader scriptural teachings on honesty.
Paradox #3
One possible historical inconsistency in Genesis 20:13 is related to the timeline of Abraham's story. The verse suggests God caused Abraham to wander from his father's house, but in the narrative, Terah, Abraham's father, initially led the family to Haran, not Abraham. This could seem contradictory regarding who initiated their journey.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in Genesis 20:13 could be seen in the action of asking someone to lie or deceive others, which goes against the general moral teachings of honesty and integrity.