Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
This verse questions the value of sacrifices and offerings, similarly stating that God takes no pleasure in them, which contradicts the notion that God commanded such sacrifices.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
This verse expresses God's desire for mercy and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings, suggesting priorities that contradict the emphasis on sacrifices.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Amos 5:22
Here, God dismisses the offerings and sacrifices of the people, saying He will not accept them, which contradicts the idea that they were divinely required.
Amos 5:22: Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. [peace...: or, thank offerings]
Contradiction with Psalm 51:16-17
These verses emphasize that God does not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings, aligning with the thought in Jeremiah that sacrifices were not the primary expectation from God.
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]
Contradiction with Micah 6:7-8
Micah questions whether sacrifices could please God and suggests that doing justice and loving kindness are more important, contradicting the emphasis on ritual sacrifices.
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
Jeremiah 7:21 may seem to conflict with earlier parts of the Bible where God instructs the Israelites to offer sacrifices. In this verse, God indicates that He never really desired their burnt offerings and sacrifices, which can seem inconsistent with earlier commands given in books like Leviticus. This can create confusion about whether God wants such offerings or not. Essentially, it highlights the tension between rituals and the deeper need for genuine faith and obedience.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 7:21 might seem to contradict other parts of the Bible that emphasize sacrifices, like in Leviticus, where detailed instructions for offerings are given. The contradiction arises because, in Jeremiah, it can appear that God is dismissing sacrifices as unimportant. However, this is usually understood to mean that God values obedience and sincerity over ritual practices. This is not a contradiction but highlights the importance of intent in religious practice.
Paradox #3
This verse might seem contradictory because it suggests that God does not require sacrifices, which conflicts with earlier parts of the Bible that heavily emphasize the importance of following sacrificial laws. This could be seen as inconsistent with the practices and commands given to the Israelites.