Contradiction with Exodus 20:8-10
This passage commands the observance of the Sabbath for rest and not for the land, while Leviticus 26:35 talks about the land resting, suggesting a divine mandate for land sabbath.
Exodus 20:8-10: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Contradiction with Genesis 3:17-19
These verses describe the ground being cursed and man needing to toil for survival, which contrasts with Leviticus 26:35 where the land is meant to enjoy rest.
Genesis 3:17-19: And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life;
Contradiction with Isaiah 61:11
This verse speaks of the earth bringing forth her bud, emphasizing productivity rather than the rest indicated in Leviticus 26:35.
Isaiah 61:11: For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:1-2
This passage outlines a release of debts every seven years, which is a form of rest or reset for people, contrasting with Leviticus 26:35's focus on the land resting.
Deuteronomy 15:1-2: At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release.
Contradiction with Psalms 104:14
Here, the earth brings forth grass for livestock, portraying continuous productivity instead of the rest mentioned in Leviticus 26:35.
Psalms 104:14: He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
Paradox #1
Leviticus 26:35 might seem inconsistent when considering the broader biblical narrative, particularly regarding the concept of Sabbath rest for the land. While the verse talks about the land enjoying its Sabbaths, elsewhere, humans are often given dominion over the land. This dual expectation creates tension between human activity and the land's rest. The contradiction arises from trying to balance mankind's stewardship and productivity with mandated periods of rest for the land.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 26:35 discusses the land observing rest and making up for its missed sabbaths due to the people's earlier disobedience. The contradiction could be seen in the idea of collective punishment, where the land and possibly others suffer consequences for actions they may not feel responsible for. This raises questions about fairness and the impact of collective consequences for individual actions.