Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 31:51

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 31:51 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 31:51. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, Laban told Jacob to look at a big pile of stones and a tall pillar. These were put there to be a reminder of a promise between them.

Genesis 31:51: And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold [this] pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;

Contradiction with Exodus 20:24

This verse discusses the building of altars in every place where God's name is recorded, contrasting with Genesis 31:51, which involves Laban using a stone pillar as a witness without divine instruction.

Exodus 20:24: An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:5

Emphasizes worship and offerings to God only in the place He chooses, which contrasts Genesis 31:51, where a stone pillar is set up arbitrarily as a witness without specific divine selection.

Deuteronomy 12:5: But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 27:5

Commands the building of an altar of stones to God on Mount Ebal, yet Genesis 31:51 focuses on a pillar as a witness to a human covenant, not as a divine altar.

Deuteronomy 27:5: And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up [any] iron [tool] upon them.

Contradiction with Joshua 8:30-31

Describes an altar made of whole stones as commanded by Moses, while Genesis 31:51 contrasts this by using a stone pillar as a human witness, not for worship.

Joshua 8:30-31: Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 7:12

Samuel sets up a stone named Ebenezer as a divine witness of God's help, differing from Genesis 31:51 where Laban uses a stone for a personal witness, without invoking divine aid.

1 Samuel 7:12: Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. [Ebenezer: that is, The stone of help]
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