Contradiction with Isaiah 1:13
While Jeremiah 6:20 suggests offerings are unacceptable if coming from insincere hearts, Isaiah 1:13 emphasizes that God despises insincere offerings, suggesting complete rejection rather than just conditional disapproval.
Isaiah 1:13: Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [iniquity: or, grief]
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-22
Jeremiah 6:20 suggests offerings are not pleasing without obedience, while Amos 5:21-22 explicitly states that God will not accept offerings at all from those who do not uphold justice.
Amos 5:21-22: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8
This verse implies that God desires justice, kindness, and humility over burnt offerings and sacrifices, which is a broader application reducing the specific context of incense and offerings in Jeremiah 6:20.
Micah 6:6-8: Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [of a...: Heb. sons of a year?]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Hosea emphasizes mercy over sacrifice, suggesting a total redirection of focus rather than just an enhanced requirement for offerings seen in Jeremiah 6:20.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Psalm 51:16-17
This passage states that God does not delight in sacrifice, implying a deeper spiritual requirement beyond correction of intention in Jeremiah 6:20.
Psalm 51:16-17: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. [else...: or, that I should]
Paradox #1
This verse highlights God expressing dissatisfaction with sacrifices from people living in disobedience. The potential contradiction arises in view of other biblical passages where sacrifices are described as pleasing to God. The inconsistency could be resolved by understanding the context; sacrifices are meaningful only when accompanied by sincere faith and obedience. Thus, it's not the sacrifices themselves that are in question, but the attitudes and behaviors of those offering them.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 6:20 discusses God rejecting offerings and sacrifices because they are meaningless without true obedience and righteousness. This can seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance of sacrifices and offerings. The conflict lies in understanding that rituals are not enough without sincere faith and behavior, highlighting the difference between external religious practices and internal spiritual commitment.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency in Jeremiah 6:20 could be seen in the idea that people might focus on religious rituals and offerings without genuinely following God’s teachings or living a righteous life. It highlights the conflict between external religious practices and true obedience or moral integrity.