Contradictions and Paradoxes in Nehemiah 13:22

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Nehemiah 13:22 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Nehemiah 13:22. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Nehemiah, God’s helper Nehemiah asked the special temple helpers, called Levites, to clean themselves and guard the gates to make the Sabbath day special. Nehemiah also prayed to God, asking Him to remember all the good things he did and to be kind to him.

Nehemiah 13:22: And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. [greatness: or, multitude]

Contradiction with Exodus 31:15

While Nehemiah 13:22 emphasizes rest and sanctifying the Sabbath, Exodus 31:15 prescribes death for Sabbath work, highlighting a severe consequence rather than rest.

Exodus 31:15: Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. [holy: Heb. holiness]

Contradiction with Colossians 2:16

Nehemiah 13:22 stresses observing the Sabbath, whereas Colossians 2:16 suggests no one should judge others regarding Sabbath observance, implying freedom from strict observance.

Colossians 2:16: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]

Contradiction with Romans 14:5

Nehemiah 13:22 enforces a specific day (the Sabbath) for holiness, while Romans 14:5 allows each person to esteem one day above another according to personal conviction.

Romans 14:5: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [fully persuaded: or, fully assured]

Contradiction with Mark 2:27

Nehemiah 13:22 focuses on restrictions to protect the holiness of the Sabbath, while Mark 2:27 suggests the Sabbath was made for man's benefit, not strict rule-following.

Mark 2:27: And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Contradiction with Galatians 4:9-10

Nehemiah 13:22 insists on Sabbath observance, while Galatians 4:9-10 warns against going back to observing special days as a means of justification.

Galatians 4:9-10: But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [turn ye again: or, turn ye back] [elements: or, rudiments]

Paradox #1

Some people might see a contradiction in Nehemiah 13:22 regarding the enforcement of rest on the Sabbath, particularly if viewed as overly strict or lacking in compassion for those who might need to work out of necessity. It could be seen as conflicting with the need for flexibility and understanding in certain situations, where strict observance might negatively impact those who are struggling or have different circumstances.

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