Contradiction with Exodus 20:8-11
Nehemiah 8:15 instructs gathering branches on the Sabbath, which contradicts the command to rest on the Sabbath.
Exodus 20:8-11: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Contradiction with Numbers 15:32-36
Gathering sticks on the Sabbath is punishable by death, yet Nehemiah 8:15 describes collecting branches.
Numbers 15:32-36: And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:21-22
Nehemiah 8:15 encourages carrying burdens on the Sabbath, while this passage prohibits it.
Jeremiah 17:21-22: Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;
Contradiction with Exodus 31:14-15
Describes the Sabbath as a day of rest, punishment for working contradicts Nehemiah 8:15’s instruction to gather branches.
Exodus 31:14-15: Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:1-2
Disciples pick grain on the Sabbath and are criticized, similar to actions in Nehemiah 8:15.
Matthew 12:1-2: At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
Paradox #1
The verse instructs people to gather branches to make booths for a festival. A potential contradiction might be the environmental impact of gathering large amounts of branches, which could conflict with the value of caring for creation. However, this wasn't a concern in ancient times as it might be today. The focus on ritual versus environmental stewardship could present a minor inconsistency in a modern context.