Contradiction with Numbers 33:3
Nehemiah 8:17 describes the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, but Numbers 33:3 emphasizes the exodus from Egypt, highlighting the start of the journey rather than the context of the celebrations mentioned in Nehemiah.
Numbers 33:3: And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:65
While Nehemiah 8:17 involves the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, 1 Kings 8:65 attributes the gathering and celebration to Solomon's dedication of the temple, showing a different context and reason for a large assembly.
1 Kings 8:65: And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.
Contradiction with Ezra 3:4
Nehemiah 8:17 implies this is the first time the Israelites celebrated since Joshua, whereas Ezra 3:4 describes an earlier observance of the Feast of Tabernacles post-exile.
Ezra 3:4: They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; [as the duty...: Heb. the matter of the day in his day]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 7:8-9
Nehemiah 8:17 notes the people hadn't celebrated like this since Joshua's days, but these verses in 2 Chronicles describe a grand celebration during Solomon's era.
2 Chronicles 7:8-9: Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.
Contradiction with Leviticus 23:34-43
Nehemiah 8:17 talks about the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, whereas Leviticus provides detailed instructions for its observance, suggesting a continuous tradition not limited by time.
Leviticus 23:34-43: Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month [shall be] the feast of tabernacles [for] seven days unto the LORD.
Paradox #1
Nehemiah 8:17 suggests that the Israelites had not celebrated the Feast of Booths in the same way since the time of Joshua, which seems inconsistent with other passages in the Bible that mention the festival being observed, like in the book of Ezra. This could conflict with the historical record or cultural practices described in those texts.