Contradiction with Psalm 51:17
This verse emphasizes that God desires a broken spirit and contrite heart over burnt offerings.
Psalm 51:17: The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
God expresses a preference for mercy and knowledge of Him rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-22
God states that He despises the feast days and offerings, indicating that sacrifices are not pleasing to Him if unaccompanied by righteousness.
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
It suggests that God requires justice, mercy, and humility over burnt offerings.
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 Matthew 9:13
Jesus reaffirms the message that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, challenging the priority of burnt offerings.
Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:8-9
This passage describes God's dissatisfaction with sacrifices and offerings, stating that He set them aside in favor of doing His will.
Hebrews 10:8-9: Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law;
Paradox #1
Leviticus 1:3 discusses offering a male animal without defect. A potential theological inconsistency could arise when compared to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where the emphasis is on internal purity and mercy rather than external sacrifices. This shift from sacrifice to mercy might seem conflicting to some interpretations.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 1:3 outlines specific instructions for offerings, which are part of the Old Testament law given to the Israelites. Some see a contradiction or inconsistency because the New Testament teaches that Jesus fulfilled the law, and Christians are not bound by these specific ceremonial laws anymore. The perceived conflict is between following Old Testament rituals and embracing New Testament teachings of grace and faith in Jesus.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Leviticus 1:3 could be the requirement of animal sacrifice, which may conflict with modern views on animal rights and compassion. Some people might find it inconsistent with the idea of a loving and merciful God if it involves harming animals. However, these practices were common in ancient times for spiritual reasons.