Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 22:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 22:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 22:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, who is believed to have written Genesis, God is very happy with Abraham because he was ready to give his only son to show his love and trust. Because of this, God promises to bless Abraham.

Genesis 22:16: And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

Contradicts the command to sacrifice Isaac by stating "Thou shalt not kill."

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with James 1:13

States that God does not tempt anyone, contradicting the test of faith presented in Genesis 22:16.

James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 19:5

Condemns the act of child sacrifice, unlike the command to sacrifice Isaac.

Jeremiah 19:5: They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind:

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:4

Emphasizes sacrifice as ineffective for forgiveness, contradicting the perceived necessity of Isaac's sacrifice.

Hebrews 10:4: For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Contradiction with Hosea 6:6

Highlights God's desire for mercy, not sacrifice, which contrasts with the directive to sacrifice Isaac.

Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10

Forbids child sacrifices, opposing God's command to Abraham.

Deuteronomy 18:10: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Contradiction with Micah 6:7-8

Challenges the need for a human sacrifice, unlike the command in Genesis.

Micah 6:7-8: Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, [or] with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn [for] my transgression, the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul? [body: Heb. belly]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction lies in the concept of God swearing by Himself, which might seem conflicting with the idea that God is unchangeable and all-knowing. If God is perfect and always keeps His promises, some might wonder why there is a need for Him to make an oath. This could seem inconsistent with the nature of a perfect and sovereign deity who does not need to reinforce His promises in a human-like manner. However, in theological understanding, this action could be seen as a way to emphasize the certainty of His promise to humans.

Paradox #2

Genesis 22:16 might raise moral questions about the idea of being asked to sacrifice a loved one. It can be seen as conflicting with moral beliefs that prioritize the protection and love of family members. Some might find it inconsistent with the notion of a loving and just deity asking for such a difficult test of faith.

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