Contradiction with Genesis 34:5
While Genesis 46:34 suggests the Egyptians do not favor shepherds, Genesis 34:5 does not indicate such aversion when dealing with Jacob's sons who were shepherds.
Genesis 34:5: And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
Contradiction with Exodus 3:1
Moses, a respected leader, was a shepherd, contradicting the negative connotation in Genesis 46:34.
Exodus 3:1: Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb.
Contradiction with Exodus 8:26
This verse suggests that Egyptians could have greater tolerance, as sacrificing to God would be inappropriate if shepherds were truly detestable.
Exodus 8:26: And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?
Contradiction with Genesis 47:6
Pharaoh allows Joseph's family to settle in Egypt with their livestock, which contradicts the notion that shepherds are abominable.
Genesis 47:6: The land of Egypt [is] before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest [any] men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.
Contradiction with Genesis 13:2
Abram was wealthy with livestock and respected, which contradicts the perception that being a shepherd is looked down upon.
Genesis 13:2: And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Contradiction with Psalm 23:1
Describes God as a shepherd, presenting shepherding as a noble occupation rather than despicable.
Psalm 23:1: [A Psalm of David.] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 3:15
God promises to give shepherds after His own heart, elevating the status contrary to any negative implications.
Jeremiah 3:15: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Contradiction with John 10:11
Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd, a stark contrast to any negative view of shepherds.
John 10:11: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Contradiction with Amos 1:1
Amos is introduced as a shepherd and a prophet, indicating respectability and divine calling, challenging any negative views implied in Genesis 46:34.
Amos 1:1: The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Genesis 46:34 arises from the claim that "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." This is inconsistent because archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that shepherds and their animals were an integral part of Egyptian society at various times. Therefore, it seems unlikely that Egyptians universally despised shepherds.
Paradox #2
This verse could be seen as having a moral inconsistency because it involves someone presenting themselves in a certain way to receive a favorable outcome, which might conflict with values of honesty. It suggests a strategic approach that may seem at odds with being completely truthful.