Contradiction with Matthew 19:24
This verse suggests the difficulty of the rich entering heaven, contradicting the notion of numerous descendants prospering materially like Abraham's promise.
Matthew 19:24: And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 1:2
This verse emphasizes the vanity and fleeting nature of life, which contradicts the promise of enduring blessings and numerous descendants given in Genesis 22:17.
Ecclesiastes 1:2: Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20
These verses advise against storing earthly treasures, which contrasts with the promise of abundant blessings and material prosperity implied in Genesis 22:17.
Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with Luke 12:15
This verse warns against covetousness and the abundance of possessions, which could be seen as contradictory to the promise of abundance in Genesis 22:17.
Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Contradiction with James 4:14
This verse highlights the uncertainty and fleeting nature of life, contradicting the assurance of continuous and multiplying blessings promised in Genesis 22:17.
James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [It...: or, For it is]
Paradox #1
Genesis 22:17 includes the phrase about descendants being as numerous as the stars. The contradiction here could be related to the understanding of the number of stars. In the time when this text was written, it was believed that the number of stars was much smaller than what we know today. Modern astronomy has revealed that there are billions of stars in just our galaxy alone, suggesting a possible misunderstanding or overestimation based on ancient observational limitations.
Paradox #2
Genesis 22:17 speaks of God promising Abraham many descendants. The contradiction or conflict here could be related to the earlier event where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, which seems to contradict the promise of many descendants through Isaac. This raises questions about the nature of God's promises and the ethics of testing faith through such extreme demands.