Contradiction with Genesis 17:20
This verse speaks about God's blessing upon Ishmael, which could be seen as contrary to favoring Isaac in Genesis 21:12.
Genesis 17:20: And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Contradiction with Exodus 4:22
This verse refers to Israel (Jacob) as God's firstborn, potentially conflicting with Isaac being chosen over Ishmael.
Exodus 4:22: And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:
Contradiction with Romans 9:13
This verse states "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated," suggesting a different kind of divine preference.
Romans 9:13: As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 21:15-17
These verses give rights to the firstborn, which would traditionally be Ishmael, in apparent contradiction to Isaac being favored.
Deuteronomy 21:15-17: If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, [both] the beloved and the hated; and [if] the firstborn son be hers that was hated:
Contradiction with Hebrews 11:20
Isaac is depicted as blessing his sons concerning things to come, focusing on individual destinies contrary to the focus on overall lineage in Genesis 21:12.
Hebrews 11:20: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Contradiction with Malachi 1:2-3
Similar to Romans 9:13, this passage's preference for Jacob over Esau offers another example of the complexities of divine election, seen also in Genesis 21:12.
Malachi 1:2-3: I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,
Contradiction with Galatians 4:23
This verse highlights the distinction between the child born of the bondwoman and the one born of the free woman, indirectly pointing to the tension in God's promises.
Galatians 4:23: But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise.
Contradiction with Acts 7:8
It mentions circumcision given to Abraham, including Ishmael, which may be viewed as conflicting with the special status of Isaac.
Acts 7:8: And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so [Abraham] begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac [begat] Jacob; and Jacob [begat] the twelve patriarchs.
Paradox #1
The potential doctrinal inconsistency with Genesis 21:12 could relate to the idea of favoritism in God's choices. In this context, God tells Abraham that it is through Isaac that his offspring will be counted, which might seem contradictory to earlier promises made to Abraham about his other son, Ishmael. The tension arises from understanding why God chooses one specific lineage over another and how this aligns with broader themes of fairness or divine promise.
Paradox #2
Genesis 21:12 might be seen as contradictory or inconsistent when considering earlier parts of the Bible where God promises Hagar a blessing for Ishmael. The verse in question highlights God's instruction to prioritize Isaac over Ishmael, which could seem conflicting given the earlier assurances of Ishmael's future greatness. This might lead to questions about favoritism or the changing focus of God's promises.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict could arise from the idea of God supporting the decision to send away one of Abraham's sons, Ishmael, in favor of another, Isaac. This could be seen as conflicting with values of fairness and equal treatment, as it involves favoring one child over another and causing potential harm to the one sent away.