Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 21:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 21:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 21:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God took care of a boy, helped him grow up in the desert, and he learned to shoot arrows really well.

Genesis 21:20: And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

Contradiction with Genesis 16:12

Ishmael was prophesied to live in conflict with his brothers, contradicting Genesis 21:20 where God was with him, suggesting prosperity and support.

Genesis 16:12: And he will be a wild man; his hand [will be] against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Contradiction with Genesis 17:20

God promises to bless Ishmael with twelve princes and make him a great nation, which contrasts the earlier portrayal of his future struggles in Genesis 21:20.

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 Genesis 25:18

This verse states that Ishmael's descendants settled in hostility toward their relatives, which opposes the implication of divine favor and success in Genesis 21:20.

Genesis 25:18: And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren. [died: Heb. fell]

Contradiction with Exodus 33:15

In this verse, God’s presence is conditional on obedience, whereas Genesis 21:20 states that God was with Ishmael unconditionally, suggesting a contradiction in God’s favor.

Exodus 33:15: And he said unto him, If thy presence go not [with me], carry us not up hence.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 28:15

This verse implies that God's support is contingent on obedience to His commandments, contradicting the unconditional support given to Ishmael in Genesis 21:20.

Deuteronomy 28:15: But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
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