List of Acclaimed Contradictions in the Bible and their and Answers
Table of Contents
Overview – Contradictions in the Old Testament
This is a comprehensive list of over 130 acclaimed contradictions in the Old Testament Bible. This was originally presented on Talk Origins Website. This is an excellent list for apologists to review since it covers most the acclaimed contradictions objected to in the Old Testament scriptures.
Below we list the statements and answer each of the supposed contradictions. All claims are listed with the first verse matching chronologically from Genesis to Malachi.
Light and Heavenly Bodies
GE 1:3-5 On the first day, God created light, then separated light and darkness.
GE 1:14-19 The sun (which separates night and day) wasn’t created until the fourth day.
Answer:
Gen 1.3 says that God created light, not the heavenly bodies that exhibit light. This could be easily taken as a scientific fact portrayed in ancient times, a law of physics that light exists separate from all bodies that exhibit it. Light will exist long after the heavenly bodies disappear (Rev 21.23)
Trees or Man Created First
GE 1:11-12, 26-27 Trees were created before man was created.
GE 2:4-9 Man was created before trees were created.
Answer:
Gen 2.8 does not state that tree where created after man, rather it is an arbitrary statement that God created a garden; it does not place it in the chronology of events in creation.
GE 1:20-21, 26-27 Birds were created before man was created.
GE 2:7, 19 Man was created before birds were created
Answer:
Gen 2.19 does not state that birds where created after man, rather it is an arbitrary statement that God created them; it does not place it in the chronology of events in creation.
Animals or Man Created First
GE 1:24-27 Animals were created before man was created.
GE 2:7, 19 Man was created before animals were created.
Answer:
Gen 2.19 does not state that animals where created after man, rather it is an arbitrary statement that God created them; it does not place it in the chronology of events in creation.
Timing of Creation of Man and Woman
GE 1:26-27 Man and woman were created at the same time.
GE 2:7, 21-22 Man was created first, woman sometime later.
Answer:
Gen 1.26 does not state the order man and woman were created, rather it is a broad statement that God created both of them.
Reproduction Requirements
GE 1:28 God encourages reproduction.
LE 12:1-8 God requires purification rites following childbirth which, in effect, makes childbirth a sin. (Note: The period for purification following the birth of a daughter is twice that for a son.)
Answer:
A cleansing ritual does not detonate an act is sinful.
God Pleased with Creation
GE 1:31 God was pleased with his creation.
GE 6:5-6 God was not pleased with his creation.
(Note: That God should be displeased is inconsistent with the concept of omniscience.)
Answer:
God was pleased with His creation, however due to His creations free will, it was their actions that displeased Him. He knew this would happen that why He created a plan of salvation for humanity before the world began. (2 Tim 1.9)
When was God known as the Lord
GE 2:4, 4:26, 12:8, 22:14-16, 26:25 God was already known as “the Lord” (Jahveh or Jehovah) much earlier than the time of Moses.
EX 6:2-3 God was first known as “the Lord” (Jahveh or Jehovah) at the time of the Egyptian Bondage, during the life of Moses.
Answer:
God first revealed His sacred name to Moses in Ex 6. God is known by many different names or titles.
Timing of Adams Death
GE 2:17 Adam was to die the very day that he ate the forbidden fruit.
GE 5:5 Adam lived 930 years.
Answer:
Adam did die when he ate the fruit, it was a spiritual death or separation from God that he experienced when he ate the fruit. (Eph 2.5, 1 John 3.4)
Telling Good from Evil
GE 2:15-17, 3:4-6 It is wrong to want to be able to tell good from evil.
HE 5:13-14 It is immature to be unable to tell good from evil.
Answer:
In Gen 2 their sin was disobedience to God’s command not wanting to know the difference between good and evil.
Does God show Partiality to Abel’s Sacrifice
GE 4:4-5 God prefers Abel’s offering and has no regard for Cain’s.
2CH 19:7, AC 10:34, RO 2:11 God shows no partiality. He treats all alike.
Answer:
God gives equal opportunity to all, however will judge based on what you do with that opportunity.
God asks Where is Abel
GE 4:9 God asks Cain where his brother Abel is.
PR 15:3, JE 16:17, 23:24-25, HE 4:13 God is everywhere. He sees everything. Nothing is hidden from his view.
Answer:
Just because God knows everything doesn’t mean He won’t ask us a question that is meant to convict of us of sin.
God is Vengeful and Loving
GE 4:15, DT 32:4, IS 34:8 God is a vengeful god.
EX 15:3, IS 42:13, HE 12:29 God is a warrior. God is a consuming fire.
EX 20:5, 34:14, DT 4:24, 5:9, 6:15, 29:20, 32:21 God is a jealous god.
LE 26:7-8, NU 31:17-18, DT 20:16-17, JS 10:40, JG 14:19, EZ 9:5-7 The Spirit of God is (sometimes) murder and killing.
NU 25:3-4, DT 6:15, 9:7-8, 29:20, 32:21, PS 7:11, 78:49, JE 4:8, 17:4, 32:30-31, ZP 2:2 God is angry. His anger is sometimes fierce.
2SA 22:7-8 (KJV) “I called to the Lord; … he heard my voice; … The earth trembled and quaked, … because he was angry. Smoke came from his nostrils. Consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.”
EZ 6:12, NA 1:2, 6 God is jealous and furious. He reserves wrath for, and takes revenge on, his enemies. “… who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and rocks are thrown down by him.”
2CO 13:11, 14, 1JN 4:8, 16 God is love.
GA 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit of God is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Answer:
Yes. That which is good will always contradict and contrast evil, good is opposed to evil and the works thereof. God being a just judge is vengeful against iniquity and loves righteousness and goodness.
Cain Went out from God’s Presence
GE 4:16 Cain went away (or out) from the presence of the Lord.
JE 23:23-24 A man cannot hide from God. God fills heaven and earth.
Answer:
To go out form the presence of the Lord is an action taken in the heart of the individual to oppose God. It doesn’t mean God cannot see you.
When where Nephilim on the Earth
GE 6:4 There were Nephilim (giants) before the Flood.
GE 7:21 All creatures other than Noah and his clan were annihilated by the Flood.
NU 13:33 There were Nephilim after the Flood.
Answer:
Yes. Giants have existed throughout all of human history. After the flood it would be apparent that more ‘Son of God’ had fallen to offspring more giants. Gen 6.4 explicitly states there where giants in the earth in those days and after.
Does God Change His Mind
GE 6:6. EX 32:14, NU 14:20, 1SA 15:35, 2SA 24:16 God does change his mind.
NU 23:19-20, IS 15:29, JA 1:17 God does not change his mind.
Answer:
God does not change His mind like a man does (Num 23.19). God become sorrowful when His creation goes against His will, even though He knew it would happen, it still doesn’t change the breaking of His heart when it happens.
How Many Animals are Taken Into the ark
GE 6:19-22, 7:8-9, 7:14-16 Two of each kind are to be taken, and are taken, aboard Noah’s Ark.
GE 7:2-5 Seven pairs of some kinds are to be taken (and are taken) aboard the Ark.
Answer:
At least two of every kind was taken, the Bible explains clearly that seven of the clean animals had been taken.
Was Noah Righteous or Sinful
GE 7:1 Noah was righteous.
JB 1:1,8, JB 2:3 Job was righteous.
LK 1:6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous.
JA 5:16 Some men are righteous, (which makes their prayers effective).
1JN 3:6-9 Christians become righteous (or else they are not really Christians).
RO 3:10, 3:23, 1JN 1:8-10 No one was or is righteous.
Answer:
No one is righteous apart from faith in God. However the Bible speaks of two different types of righteousness, God’s which is perfect and mans which is flawed (Job 2.3, Isa 64.6).
How Many Times did Noah Enter the Ark
GE 7:7 Noah and his clan enter the Ark.
GE 7:13 They enter the Ark (again?).
Answer:
Gen 7.13 is just reiterating the entrance into the Ark.
Does God Sow Discord or Not
GE 11:7-9 God sows discord.
PR 6:16-19 God hates anyone who sows discord.
Answer:
The Hebrew word for discord is ‘Medan’ meaning discord or strife. God caused discord when He confused the language as a result of people not understanding each other. Proverbs is showing us that God hates those who purposefully seek to perform evil that opposes Him.
Did God Author Confusion at Babel
GE 11:9 At Babel, the Lord confused the language of the whole world.
1CO 14:33 Paul says that God is not the author of confusion.
Answer:
This is a misunderstand of the term confusion. In Gen 11.9 God caused confusion to prevent unbelievers from accomplishing something they were doing in spite of God.
In 1 Corin 14.33 the word for confusion in the Greek is ‘akatastasia,’ which means disturbance, upheaval, revolution, anarchy, instability. This is in the context of orderly conduct in the Church, amidst believers seeking to worship Him, and how God desires a church service to be done in order not in disorder.
Was Arpachshad the Father or Grandfather of Shelah
GE 11:12 Arpachshad [Arphaxad] was the father of Shelah.
LK 3:35-36 Cainan was the father of Shelah. Arpachshad was the grandfather of Shelah.
Answer:
The original text of scripture is inerrant however there have been copyist errors over the centuries that translated to some of the manuscripts we have today, which shows the important of textual criticism. The Bible is inerrant and God breathed (2 Tim 3.15, 2 Peter 1.20) and cannot be broken (John 10.35), However over the thousands of copies that have been produced over the centuries by many different scribes.
We do find a few misspellings and copyist errors; however, none of these change any doctrine of the scriptures. God’s word remains perfectly preserved! It can also be noted that a grandson of a person is also their descendant, therefore is counted as a son, i.e. Jews are the sons of Abraham (Matt 3.9).
How Old Was Terah when Abram was Born
GE 11:16 Terah was 70 years old when his son Abram was born.
GE 11:32 Terah was 205 years old when he died (making Abram 135 at the time).
GE 12:4, AC 7:4 Abram was 75 when he left Haran. This was after Terah died. Thus, Terah could have been no more than 145 when he died; or Abram was only 75 years old after he had lived 135 years.
Answer:
A sloppy reading of Gen 11.26 will cause people think Terah was 70 when he had Abraham and his 2 brothers. However, Abraham was the youngest of the brothers, so Terah was 130 when he had his last son, Abraham.
Is God Seen or Not
GE 12:7, 17:1, 18:1, 26:2, 32:30, EX 3:16, 6:2-3, 24:9-11, 33:11, NU 12:7-8, 14:14, JB 42:5, AM 7:7-8, 9:1 God is seen.
EX 33:20, JN 1:18, 1JN 4:12 God is not seen. No one can see God’s face and live. No one has ever seen him.
Answer:
God has taken many representative forms when presenting Himself to men; however no one has seen God in all his glory in the flesh and lived.
One or Many Languages before Babel
GE 10:5, 20, 31 (Seems) There were many languages before the Tower of Babel.
GE 11:1 There was only one language before the Tower of Babel.
Answer:
There was only one language before Babel, Genesis 10 is a table of nations that covers a very long period of time.
Did God Ordinate Sacrificial Offerings
GE 15:9, EX 20:24, 29:10-42, LE 1:1-7, 38, NU 28:1-29, 40 God details sacrificial offerings.
JE 7:21-22 God says he did no such thing.
Answers:
Jeremiah 7 is God’s focus on obedience. God did go on to give them ordinances about sacrifices after bringing them out of Egypt, however the emphasis is to first be obedience to God. Without obedience sacrifice is worth nothing, God desires obedience from His people as seen on Hosea 6.6.
How Many Sons of Abraham
GE 16:15, 21:1-3, GA 4:22 Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac.
HE 11:17 Abraham had only one son.
Answers:
The writer of Hebrews absolutely knew Abraham had more than one son, however the focus is on the one and only son of the promise. In fact Abraham had many children, not only with Hagar and Sarah, but with his Concubine Keturah after Sarah died (Gen 25. 1-4).
Judah’s Difficulty with the Plainsmen
GE 17:1, 35:11, 1CH 29:11-12, LK 1:37 God is omnipotent. Nothing is impossible with (or for) God.
JG 1:19 Although God was with Judah, together they could not defeat the plainsmen because the latter had iron chariots.
Answers:
This verse shows the people had victory in taking possession of the hill, thus God was with them. However it is making a historic reference that they were not able to get every person out of the area at that time since they had chariots of iron. The Israelites will took possession of the land.
Circumcision to be Everlasting or of No Value.
GE 17:7, 10-11 The covenant of circumcision is to be everlasting.
GA 6:15 It is of no consequence.
Answer:
Circumcision is an everlasting covenant but it cannot take away sin nor was it ever meant to do so. Circumcision is a cutting away of the flesh in dedication to the Lord. However what matters is the circumcision of the heart which is the true meaning of circumcision is, a forever dedication to the Lord as seen in Deut 30.6, Romans 2.25.
Was God’ Promise to Abraham Fulfilled
GE 17:8 God promises Abraham the land of Canaan as an “everlasting possession.”
GE 25:8, AC 7:2-5, HE 11:13 Abraham died with the (seemingly) promise unfulfilled.
Answer:
Abraham was a rich land owner which included much of the land of Canaan, however Gods promise was to his descendants, as it says to his and his seed as it says in verse 17.
Was Abraham Committing Incest and is Incest Wrong
GE 17:15-16, 20:11-12, 22:17 Abraham and his half sister, Sarai, are married and receive God’s blessings.
LE 20:17, DT 27:20-23 Incest is wrong.
Answer:
The laws given to Moses in Leviticus where long after Abraham had died, when the world had a larger population with genetic diversity. You have to ask the question why is incest wrong? All of God’s commandments are with purpose. We know that when people breed with their siblings that genetic defects have a larger change of transmitting to their offspring, this is why genetic diversity help protect children.
Soon after Noah’s flood it can be easily understood that humanity still had a near perfect genome that would not make incest an issue like it would around Moses’ time. Either from a creationist or evolutionist standpoint, interbreeding within families had to take place at some point in time.
Why Did God ‘Go Down’ to See Something if He’s Omnipresent
GE 18:20-21 God decides to “go down” to see what is going on.
PR 15:3, JE 16:17, 23:24-25, HE 4:13 God is everywhere. He sees everything. Nothing is hidden from his view.
Answer:
The Spirit of the Lord often moves in scripture (Gen 1.2, Ex 33.22), it does not mean that God is not still everywhere, but rather there is a glory or presence of the Lord that is experienced at specific places at various times. In verse 22, we see that the Lord goes towards Sodom in the form of the angels however Abraham is still ’standing in the presence of the LORD,’ and speaks with Him, continuing to reveal that God is everywhere.
Was Lot Righteous or Not
GE 19:30-38 While he is drunk, Lot’s two daughters “lie with him,” become pregnant, and give birth to his offspring.
2PE 2:7 Lot was “just” and “righteous.”
Answer:
Lot was righteous because of his faith (2 Peter 2.7). Even the righteous make mistakes (Pr 24.16), but it is faith in God and in Christ that makes us righteous (Rom 1.17).
Does God Tempt
GE 22:1-12, DT 8:2 God tempts (tests) Abraham and Moses.
JG 2:22 God himself says that he does test (tempt).
1CO 10:13 Paul says that God controls the extent of our temptations.
MT 6:13 Jesus’ prayer implies that God might lead us into temptation.
JA 1:2-3 Temptation is joy.
JA 1:13 God tempts no one.
Answer:
It is important to understand the difference between testing (Greek word periazo) and tempting (Greek word peirasmos). The Lord will test His people to show them where they are at or where they lack faith (Ps 66.10, James 1.12), testing comes in the form of obedience to what God says. Temptation or attempting to get someone to do evil comes from the enemy (James 1.13). Judges 2.22 uses the word test, James 1.13 uses the word tempt.
Is Drinking Alcohol Wrong
GE 27:28 “May God give you … an abundance of grain and new wine.”
DT 7:13 If they follow his commandments, God will bless the fruit of their wine.
PS 104:5 God gives us wine to gladden the heart.
JE 13:12 “… every bottle shall be filled with wine.”
JN 2:1-11 According to the author of John, Jesus’ first miracle was turning water to wine.
RO 14:21 It is good to refrain from drinking wine.
Answer:
There is nothing wrong with eating or drinking anything that God has given if it is received with thanksgiving (1 Tim 4.4), however the Bible teaches that to excess in anything like alcohol is sin and to be carnally minded (Eph 5.18).
Use of Jacobs Name
GE 35:10 God says Jacob is to be called Jacob no longer; henceforth his name is Israel.
GE 46:2 At a later time, God himself uses the name Jacob.
Answer:
Jacob is both Jacob and Israel, it was a title given to him, it doesn’t mean his name Jacob was removed or that it was forbidden to call him by his name. Israel means Gods warrior or one who contends with God.
Different Tribes of Israel Named
GE 49:2-28 The fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel are: Reuben, Simeon,Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin.
RE 7:4-8 (Leaves out the tribe of Dan, but adds Manasseh.)
Answer:
This change is believed to be due to Dan’s idolatry in Judges 17 which caused Israel to go into bondage. A revision in God’s chosen tribes is due to judgement, not a forgotten group of people.
Jacob Buried in Cave or Sepulcher
GE 50:13 Jacob was buried in a cave at Machpelah bought from Ephron the Hittite.
AC 7:15-16 He was buried in the sepulchre at Shechem, bought from the sons of Hamor.
Answer:
The sepulcher is a cave, which is how the ancients carved sepulchers, out of rock and in caves. In Gen 33 we see that Abraham bought the location from the son of Hamor, Ephron. This is all correct.
Jethro or Hobab was Moses Father in Law
EX 3:1 Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses.
NU 10:29, JG 4:11 (KJV) Hobab was the father-in-law of Moses.
Answer:
Moses did have more than one wife, this may have been a reference to the name of Moses other father-in-law. Alternatively, when individuals were married into the Hebrew tribes, those family members obtained new, Hebrew names. This may have been the Hebrew name of Moses Father in Law.
Does God allow Destruction and Plundering of Nations
EX 3:20-22 – but every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians
DT 20:13-17- When the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. 14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the Lord your God gives you from your enemies.
(God instructs the Israelites to despoil the Egyptians, to plunder their enemies.)
EX 20:15, 17, LE 19:13 God prohibits stealing, defrauding, or robbing a neighbor.
Answer:
Yes. Jesus taught us that God’s people are not to harm their neighbors but to love them as themselves. However, in ancient times, God initiated His people at various times to destroy other nations because Israel was to be used as His instrument of wrath on the Earth, they were given charges to plunder and/or destroy those people (Numbers 21.2). God teaches there is a time for war and a time for peace, and He will determine each. There is a time that humanity has become so corrupt and evil it is a mercy to put an end to their evil deeds, and stop them from hurting others and themselves.
Does God Allow Disease
EX 4:11 God decides who will be dumb, deaf, blind, etc.
2CO 13:11, 14, 1JN 4:8, 16 God is a god of love.
Answers:
Exodus 4.11 shows Gods sovereignty over all creation. He is the great judge of all. Disease, blindness, etc. have come into the world because of sin. God is so merciful He has provided for humanity a way for salvation, by sacrificing Himself, this is love, however while we are on this earth people will face the consequences of sin. God will decide who in this life will face the ailments they face all for a greater purpose (Rom 8.28).
Did God Destroy the Horses in the Egyptian Plagues
EX 9:3-6 God destroys all the cattle (including horses) belonging to the Egyptians.
EX 9:9-11 The people and the cattle are afflicted with boils.
EX 12:12, 29 All the first-born of the cattle of the Egyptians are destroyed.
EX 14:9 After having all their cattle destroyed, then afflicted with boils, and then their first-born cattle destroyed, the Egyptians pursue Moses on horseback.
Answers:
Verse 6 does not state all horses died. Many of them probably did, but not all, this is implied in the text of Exodus 14.9.
Was the Blood Necessary at Passover
EX 12:13 The Israelites have to mark their houses with blood in order for God to see which houses they occupy and “pass over” them.
PR 15:3, JE 16:17, 23:24-25, HE 4:13 God is everywhere. He sees everything. Nothing is hidden from God.
Answer:
The blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you – Exodus 12.13. We see the blood is a token to show the faith of those who performed the act. It was not so that God could see who was a believer.
Correct Number of Military Men at Exodus Census
EX 12:37, NU 1:45-46 The number of men of military age who take part in the Exodus is given as more than 600,000. Allowing for women, children, and older men would probably mean that a total of about 2,000,000 Israelites left Egypt.
1KI 20:15 All the Israelites, including children, number only 7000 at a later time.
Answer:
This is a very bad understanding of the census of people at various times and places. 1 Kings 20 is not a census of all the Jewish people, but of that localized place in Samaria at that time of the siege.
Is God of War or Peace
EX 15:3, 17:16, NU 25:4, 32:14, IS 42:13 God is a man of war–he is fierce and angry.
RO 15:33, 2CO 13:11, 14, 1JN 4:8, 16 God is a god of love and peace.
Answers:
It is the result of a bad philosophic idea that both love and justice cannot coincide. Most Fathers in the world both love and discipline their children. A Father can be considered loving and fierce when it comes to defending His children.
Was the Law given to Moses or Angels
EX 20:1-17 God gave the law directly to Moses (without using an intermediary).
GA 3:19 The law was ordained through angels by a mediator (an intermediary).
Answer:
Moses was the mediator as seen in Galatians 3.19. God etched the law into the stone tablets in Deut 9.10 and gave them to Moses. The angels and the angel of the Lord are always with the Lord or near Him, Moses interacted with them all.
Is the Ark a Graven Image
EX 20:4 God prohibits the making of any graven images whatsoever.
EX 25:18 God enjoins the making of two graven images.
Answer:
God does not forbid the creation of images, it’s the worship of those images or intent to worship them that is a sin (read all of Exodus 20.4).
Do Children Suffer for Their Parents Sins
EX 20:5, 34:7, NU 14:18, DT 5:9, IS 14:21-22 Children are to suffer for their parent’s sins.
DT 24:16, EZ 18:19-20 Children are not to suffer for their parent’s sins.
DT 24:16, 2KI 14:6, 2CH 25:4, EZ 18:20 Children are not to suffer for their parent’s sins.
RO 5:12, 19, 1CO 15:22 Death is passed to all men by the sin of Adam.
Answer:
This is confusing two different subjects. Children are not to be punished for sins of their parents that they repent from and reject. The Sin of Adam was a corruption of all creation in the physical world. The corruption of a sinful nature is something passed down to everyone born of flesh until their bodies perish (Rom 5.12).
In the Books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy the nations would suffer for the sins of their forefathers for turning from God. In Ezekiel, God is making it clear that sin is the responsibility for those that commit it, and if children repent or refrain from the sins of their fathers, it should not be held against them (Deut 24.16).
Is Work Allowed on the Sabbath
EX 20:8-11, 31:15-17, 35:1-3 No work is to be done on the Sabbath, not even lighting a fire. The commandment is permanent, and death is required for infractions.
MK 2:27-28 Jesus says that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (after his disciples were criticized for breaking the Sabbath).
RO 14:5, CN 2:14-16 Paul says the Sabbath commandment was temporary, and to decide for yourself regarding its observance.
Answer:
Christ fulfilled the law and those ceremonial portions of the law that where meant to be a shadow of things to come, these where no longer to be held against God’s people (Col 2.17) for we have freedom in Christ (Gal 3.24).
Christians are to Honor or Hate their Family
EX 20:12, DT 5:16, MT 15:4, 19:19, MK 7:10, 10:19, LK 18:20 Honor your father and your mother is one of the ten commandments. It is reinforced by Jesus.
MT 10:35-37, LK 12:51-53, 14:26 Jesus says that he has come to divide families; that a man’s foes will be those of his own household; that you must hate your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even your own life to be a disciple.
MT 23:9 Jesus says to call no man on earth your father.
LK 14:26 No one can be a disciple of Jesus unless he hates his parents, wife, children, brothers and sisters.
JN 3:15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.
JN 4:20 If anyone claims to love God but hates his brother, he is a liar.
LK 14:26 No one can be a disciple of Jesus unless he hates his parents, wife, children, brothers and sisters.
JN 3:15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.
JN 4:20 If anyone claims to love God but hates his brother, he is a liar.
Answer:
It is a grave misunderstanding to believe that Jesus ever taught anyone to hate. Matt 10 goes on to explain that whoever loves their family more than God (Jesus) is not worth of God. It is a comparison that we should love God so much more than anything else in our lives that our affection for others looks like hatred because we are willing to forsake everything for Him.
God Condemns or Condones Killing
EX 20:13, DT 5:17, MK 10:19, LK 18:20, RO 13:9, JA 2:11 God prohibits killing.
GE 34:1-35:5 God condones trickery and killing.
EX 32:27, DT 7:2, 13:15, 20:1-18 God orders killing.
2KI 19:35 An angel of the Lord slaughters 185,000 men.
Answer:
God is the righteous judge; He alone orders the judgment, execution and death of His creation. We are not to be the determining factor, judge or execution unless God says so.
Hosea Takes a Harlot Wife
EX 20:14 God prohibits adultery.
HO 1:2 God instructs Hosea to “take a wife of harlotry.”
Answer:
Hosea took a wife to symbolize Gods agony over the people of Israel acting like a harlot. Hosea however never committed adultery but instead loved his wife.
Eye for an Eye or Turn the Other Cheek
EX 21:23-25, LE 24:20, DT 19:21 A life for a life, an eye for an eye, etc.
MT 5:38-44, LK 6:27-29 Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies.
Answer:
Matthew 5 is Jesus explaining the fulfillment of the law in the New Covenant and how believers should act. The Israelites lived according to the law but Christians live according to grace, knowing this world is only temporary and are looking for a heavenly kingdom.
God Condemns or Condones the Killing of Innocents
EX 23:7 God prohibits the killing of the innocent.
NU 31:17-18, DT 7:2, JS 6:21-27, 7:19-26, 8:22-25, 10:20, 40, 11:8-15, 20,
30-39, JG 11:30-39, 21:10-12, 1SA 15:3 God orders or approves the complete extermination of groups of people which include innocent women and/or children.
Answer:
God is the righteous judge; He alone orders the judgment, execution and death of His creation. We are not to be the determining factor, judge or execution unless God says so.
Does God Break His Promise Land Promise
EX 34:6, DT 7:9-10, TS 1:2 God is faithful and truthful. He does not lie.
NU 14:30 not one shall come into the land where I swore that I would make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun
(God breaks his promise.)
Answer:
God never broke His promise; His promise was to Abraham’s descendants to inherit the land. The next generation went into the land and some of the young from the previous generation went into the land such as Caleb and Joshua. This was a judgment against the people because of their stubbornness. Gods promise to Moses is that he would free the captives (Exodus 6.6), which he did.
Does God Allow the Spirit of Deception
EX 34:6, DT 7:9-10, TS 1:2 God is faithful and truthful. He does not lie.
1KI 22:21-23 God condones a spirit of deception.
Answer:
God does not do evil, however He is sovereign over all creation and allows or permits everything that occurs to occur, this includes the works of evil spirits (Job 1.11-12).
Does God Cause Delusion
EX 34:6, DT 7:9-10, TS 1:2 God is faithful and truthful. He does not lie.
2TH 2:11-12 God deludes people, making them believe what is false, so as to be able to condemn them. (Note: some versions use the word persuade here. The context makes clear, however, that deception is involved.)
Answer:
2 Thessalonians 2.9-12 which is in reference to the coming Anti-Christ shows that one of God judgments is to give people over to the very thing they desire. Since humanity would not give up the lie and did not love the truth their punishment was to finally be given over to it. God is truth but if people want to believe a lie, God will eventually give them over to it.
Is God Responsible for Evil, Does this Contradict His Goodness
EX 34:6-7, JS 24:19, 1CH 16:34 God is faithful, holy and good.
IS 45:6-7, LA 3:8, AM 3:6 God is responsible for evil.
Answer:
God is sovereign over all creation, including good and evil (Isa 45.7). All that is good is of God since goodness cannot exist without God. God does not choose good, good only exists because whatever is of or form God is good (Matt 19.17). Evil is anything opposed to God or is not of God. God is sovereign over all things that exist, therefore if God allows something to have a free will and it chooses evil, it chooses that which is not of God (Ps 18.2).
God does not do evil because when He does something it becomes good or it is good. Being sovereign over all things including those that choose to do evil is not a contradiction of His goodness. For even what evil begins try to do for the purpose of evil God is so powerful and sovereign He will eventually turn it into something good (Gen 50.20).
Does God Remember Sin
EX 34:6-7, HE 9:27 God remembers sin, even when it has been forgiven.
JE 31:34 God does not remember sin when it has been forgiven.
Answer:
Sin still has consequences in this world even after they are forgiven. Spiritually, God has forgotten all our sins for the believer because Jesus died for them. If you are not forgiven then your sins remain and you will be judged for them.
Is the Eating of Fat and Blood Forbidden
LE 3:17 God himself prohibits forever the eating of blood and fat.
MT 15:11, CN 2:20-22 Jesus and Paul say that such rules don’t matter–they are only human injunctions.
Answer:
Jesus taught it is not what goes into a man but what comes out that makes him unclean, there is no eating of any kind of food that is sinful (Mark 7.20). Leviticus was a ceremonial ritual to prevent disease, as this practice is ‘unclean’ which could lead to disease. Even in the New Testament there was a command to not eat things strangled and with the blood (Acts 15.19) since it can lead to disease.
Priest Ripping His Clothes
LE 21:10 The chief priest is not to rend his clothes.
MT 26:65, MK 14:63 He does so during the trial of Jesus.
Answer:
Yes, the priest did what was unlawful because he was very emotional during Jesus trial.
Is it Wrong to Lend Money at Interest
LE 25:37, PS 15:1, 5 It is wrong to lend money at interest.
MT 25:27, LK 19:23-27 It is wrong to lend money without interest.
Answer:
First, the Bible does not condemn lending money with interest, but rather doing it against the poor or your family (Ex 22.25) is what was condemned. Lending at interest was a common practice in ancient Israel.
Second Jesus example was a parable for those servants of His who are meant to go do kingdom work so that His kingdom may increase. Even if interest (Usury) was a sin, the parable is still meant to be a picture to the listeners with a deeper meaning.
Does God or Satan Inflict Sickness
NU 11:33 God inflicts sickness.
JB 2:7 Satan inflicts sickness.
Answer:
Yes, God is sovereign over all and nothing can happen unless He allows it. Satan is used as an instrument of God’s will.
Can Sacrifice Take Away Sins
NU 15:24-28 Sacrifices can, in at least some case, take away sin.
HE 10:11 They never take away sin.
Answer:
Hebrews is actually a complete explanation of this process. How that the blood of animals was a symbol of the sacrifice that was to come, the blood of the Lamb, the Son of God.
Did 23,000 or 24,000 Die in the Plague
NU 25:9 24,000 died in the plague.
1CO 10:8 23,000 died in the plague.
Answers:
Looking at the verbiage, Paul states in 1 Corinthians that 23k died in a single day, where in Numbers chapter 25 it states 24k died throughout the entire plague.
Are We to Make Vows to God or Not
NU 30:2 God enjoins the making of vows (oaths).
MT 5:33-37 Jesus forbids doing so, saying that they arise from evil (or the Devil).
Answer:
Jesus never said vows or oaths where of the Devil, rather let your yes be yes and no be no, anything beyond that is a lie and if from the Devil. Jesus is teaching His disciples a lesson that instead of having to make vows in your life to God, just be true to everything you say or do so that a vow isn’t even necessary. Again Jesus fulfilled the law which was a shadow of things to come (Heb 10.1).
Did Aaron Die on Mt.Hor or Mosera
NU 33:38 Aaron died on Mt. Hor.
DT 10:6 Aaron died in Mosera.
Answer:
Mt. Hor was in the mountain region or district of Mosera, as explained in Numbers 33.
After Aarons Death Israel Journeyed to Mt.Hor or Mosera
NU 33:41-42 After Aaron’s death, the Israelites journeyed from Mt. Hor, to Zalmonah, to Punon, etc.
DT 10:6-7 It was from Mosera, to Gudgodah, to Jotbath.
Answer:
Deuteronomy identified the regions they travelled; Number documents the specific sites or locations of their journey.
Is Anger a Sin
DT 6:15, 9:7-8, 29:20, 32:21 God is sometimes angry.
MT 5:22 Jesus teaches do not be angry without a cause
EP 4:26 Anger is not necessarily a sin.
MT 11:22-24, LK 10:13-15 Jesus revealed the inhabitants of several cities where cursed.
MT 21:19, MK 11:12-14 Jesus curses a fig tree.
MK 3:5 Jesus looks around at them in anger.
Answer:
Jesus taught if you are angry without brother without cause you sin. The Bible teaches to be angry but do not sin and submit everything to the Lord (Eph 4.26). Only God knows how to have a righteous anger and rightly judge every situation, we as humans with limited knowledge do not. Anger which can lead to wrath is a dangerous emotion that should always be held in self control (Pr 29.22).
Is it Wrong to Destroy Your Enemies
DT 7:9-10 God destroys his enemies.
MT 5:39-44 Do not resist your enemies. Love them.
Answer:
Humans have a limited knowledge and are to do all we can in this limited time on earth to share God’s good news with as many as we can so that some might be saved (Jude 1.23). God will destroy all His enemies in judgment as only He is the judge of all the Earth (Genesis 18.25).
Are False Prophets From God
DT 18:20-22 A false prophet is one whose words do not come true. Death is required.
EZ 14:9 A prophet who is deceived, is deceived by God himself. Death is still required.
Answer:
Israel killed the prophets of God who rebuked then so God sent false prophets among the people to give them what they asked for, smooth sayings (Isa 30.10). These false prophets where also unrepentant men that did not love the truth but traded it for a lie. God has consistently told humanity if they reject His truth He will give them over to lies (2 Thess 2.11).
Are Castrates Allowed Before God
DT 23:1 A castrate may not enter the assembly of the Lord.
IS 56:4-5 Some castrates will receive special rewards.
MT 19:12 Men are encouraged to consider making themselves castrates for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Answer:
Eunuchs where not allowed in the Congregation assembly but this did not mean they were cast out of Israel. Those with defects where discouraged from coming near the Holy Tabernacle since God demanded perfection, however this was again a shadow of things to come and of what God truly desires, spiritual perfection. God is showing those worshippers of His in Isaiah 56 those who persist in faith will receive an eternal inheritance in Heaven, and those who become eunuchs for Gods kingdom will receive a reward.
Is Divorce a Sin
DT 24:1-5 A man can divorce his wife simply because she displeases him and both he and his wife can remarry.
MT 5:32 Divorce, except on the grounds of unchastity, is wrong.
MK 10:2-12 Divorce is wrong, and to remarry is to commit adultery.
Answer:
Jesus explains this very clearly in Matt 19.8, Moses sufferer the people to divorce because of the hardness and stubbornness of their hearts. The laws were given to protect the women and children so men could not just go about disowning and leaving his previous family in poverty. Jesus continues saying that from the beginning God’s plan is for man and woman to unit for life and Jesus was correcting the understanding of the people back to God’s ways.
Is It Possible to Keep the Law
DT 30:11-20 It is possible to keep the law.
RO 3:20-23 It is not possible to keep the law.
Answer:
Deuteronomy 30.11 reveals that Gods word is near to the people so that they may obey it. Verse 16 is a command to walk in obedience to what God has given. No portion of Deuteronomy states that the people will be able to perfectly uphold the law every moment of their lives. This is why animal sacrifice was instituted as a substitute for their sins.
Romans reveals the heart behind the law, that the carnal mind does not have the ability to keep, because it is Godless, and that all are guilty of not keeping the law perfectly every moment of their life, we are all guilty (Rom 3).
God Shows Mercy to All or Some
JS 11:20 God shows no mercy to some.
LK 6:36, JA 5:11 God is merciful.
Answer:
In Joshua 11.20 we see God’s mercy ran out, not that He had no mercy at all. In Gen 15.16 we see God’s mercy toward them for many generations. Don’t take advantage of God’s grace and mercy.
Sisera was Sleeping or Standing When Killed
JG 4:21 Sisera was sleeping when Jael killed him.
JG 5:25-27 Sisera was standing.
Answer:
Judges 5 does not say he was standing, in simply gives all the details about how the event took place than what was said in chapter 4.
Joshua or Othniel Captures Debir
JS 10:38-40 Joshua himself captured Debir.
JG 1:11-15 It was Othniel, who thereby obtained the hand of Caleb’s daughter, Achsah.
Answer:
Debir was rebuilt by the inhabitants after Joshua conquered it in Joshua 10. Judges 1 tells the events that occurred after Joshua with Othniel.
Is God Omniscient – Samuel Informs God
1SA 8:2-22 Samuel informs God as to what he has heard from others.
PR 15:3, JE 16:17, 23:24-25, HE 4:13 God is everywhere. He sees and hears everything.
Answer:
God desires and delights in us praying and speaking with Him even though He already knows everything.
Did God Chose Saul – Saul’s Failure
1SA 9:15-17 The Lord tells Samuel that Saul has been chosen to lead the Israelites and will save them from the Philistines.
1SA 15:35 The Lord is sorry that he has chosen Saul.
1SA 31:4-7 Saul commits suicide and the Israelites are overrun by the Philistines.
Answer:
God did choose Saul, and Gods plan was for Saul to be the one to do His will, even though God knew everything that was going to happen. Just because God knows everything that going to happen it doesn’t mean He doesn’t move forward with a plan to display what His will was. It’s up the free will of the individual God chose to remain in obedience of not, and when we fall from obedience it makes God sorrowful or remorse.
Where the Amalekites Utterly Destroyed
1SA 15:7-8, 20 The Amalekites are utterly destroyed.
1SA 27:8-9 They are utterly destroyed (again?).
1SA 30:1, 17-18 They raid Ziklag and David smites them (again?).
Answer:
A nation can be destroyed and the remnants can build back over time. We find in 1 Sam 15 the Israelites didn’t destroy everything in disobedience to Gods original command, at which time they where a mighty kingdom. In 1 Sam 30, they are small enough to be defeated by David’s band of outlaws.
How Many Son of Jesse – 7 or 8
1SA 16:10-11, 17:12 Jesse had seven sons plus David, or eight total.
1CH 2:13-15 He had seven total.
Answer:
David was clearly the eighth son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles doesn’t say Jesse only had seven sons, it only lists seven sons. There is clearly one that was omitted due either to death in Saul’s army or because he was adopted.
Did Saul Forget Who David Was
1SA 16:19-23 Saul knew David well before the latter’s encounter with Goliath.
1SA 17:55-58 Saul did not know David at the time of his encounter with Goliath and had to ask about David’s identity.
Answer:
Saul saw David in 1 Sam 17.38 and knew of him. He simply asked in chapter 17 whose son is he. Leaders see and meet a lot of people they are not going to remember every face.
Goliath Killed by Slingshot or Sword
1SA 17:50 David killed Goliath with a slingshot.
1SA 17:51 David killed Goliath (again?) with a sword.
Answer:
David knocked Goliath down with the sling shot and cut off his head with his own sword.
Did David or Elhanan Kill Goliath
1SA 17:50 David killed Goliath.
2SA 21:19 Elhanan killed Goliath. (Note: Some translations insert the words “the brother of” before Elhanan. These are an addition to the earliest manuscripts in an apparent attempt to rectify this inconsistency.)
Answer:
Elhanan killed the brothers of Goliath, 1 Chronicles 21.25 clearly states it was Lahmi the brother of Goliath slain by Elhanan.
Was Ahimalech or Abiathar the High Priest During David Time
1SA 21:1-6 Ahimalech was high priest when David ate the bread.
MK 2:26 Abiathar was high priest at the time.
Answer:
Abiathar was High Priest, his dad, Ahimalech, was not called High Priest at that time but priest, most likely was ex-high priest.
Did Saul Inquire of the Lord
1SA 28:6 Saul inquired of the Lord, but received no answer.
1CH 10:13-14 Saul died for not inquiring of the Lord.
Answer:
Proverbs 1.24-26 reveals Saul’s judgment and death was for several things, one being he did not inquire of the Lord, until it was too late and God already judged him. When Saul finally tried to inquire of God it was through a witch which was a sin.
Did Saul Die by Sword, Suicide, Amalekite, Philistine or God
1SA 31:4-6 Saul killed himself by falling on his sword.
2SA 1:2-10 Saul, at his own request, was slain by an Amalekite.
2SA 21:12 Saul was killed by the Philistines on Gilboa.
1CH 10:13-14 Saul was slain by God.
Answer:
God is judge of all and takes the lives of all men, however uses instruments to do so. The Philistines where about to kill him so he committed suicide by falling on his own sword so they would not torture him. It was because of the battle of the Philistines that he died. The Amalekite lied to David about killing Saul hoping to receive a reward. David even references this when he says you are guilt by your own confession in verse 15-16.
Did Michal have 5 Sons or None
2SA 6:23 Michal was childless.
2SA 21:8 (KJV) She had five sons.
Answer:
Some manuscripts record 2 Samual 21.8 to be Merab not Michal, Michals older sister who was married to Adriel. Some scholars believe that when her older sister died, Michal took her place in the family being their mother by adopting the five children.
Did God or Satan Inspire David to Take the Census
2SA 24:1 The Lord inspired David to take the census.
1CH 21:1 Satan inspired the census.
Answer:
Yes, Satan tempted David to do this against the Lord.
Was he Census Count 1.1M or 470k
2SA 24:9 The census count was: Israel 800,000 and Judah 500,000.
1CH 21:5 The census count was: Israel 1,100,000 and Judah 470,000.
Answer:
The census in 1 Chronicles 21 includes those not previously counted as valiant men from the 2 Samuel passage, which states there where 800k sword wielding warriors. We find an answer in 2 Chronicles 27.1-15 that states 12 units of 24k men where in the standing army; total about 300k men missing from the 2 Samuel censuses of sword wielding warriors.
Did David Only Ever Sin Once
2SA 24:10-17 David sinned in taking the census.
1KI 15:5 David’s only sin (ever) was in regard to another matter.
Answer:
1 Kings doesn’t say David only sinned once, it’s speaking specifically about a deliberate break of God’s commandments.
Did David Pay 50 Shekels of Silver or 600 Shekels of Gold
2SA 24:24 David paid 50 shekels of silver for the purchase of a property.
1CH 21:22-25 He paid 600 shekels of gold.
Answer:
King David bought the entire property for 600 shekels of gold, and an additional 50 shekels of silver for the Oxen and threshing floor.
Was Solomon Wise for Having Many Wives
1KI 3:12 God made Solomon the wisest man that ever lived, yet ….
1KI 11:1-13 Solomon loved many foreign women (against God’s explicit prohibition) who turned him to other gods (for which he deserved death).
Answer:
This is an important lesson, even the wisest among men can fall into sexual temptation and lust that leads to destruction.
Is Solomon or John the Baptist the Greatest
1KI 3:12, 4:29, 10:23-24, 2CH 9:22-23 God made Solomon the wisest king and the wisest man that ever lived. There never has been nor will be another like him.
MT 12:42, LK 11:31 Jesus says: “… now one greater than Solomon is here.”
Answer:
Solomon was the wisest man to have ever lived. Jesus was God incarnate and of course is greater than Solomon.
Solomon had 4k or 40k Horses
1KI 4:26 Solomon had 40,000 horses (or stalls for horses).
2CH 9:25 He had 4,000 stalls for horses (or horses).
Answer:
A stall can hold up to 10 horses, therefore the math on these statements easily make sense. Compare this to 2 Sam 10.18 and 1 Chron 19.18 to see 700 chariots is equivalent to 7000 fighters.
Solomon Had 3.3k or 3.6k Supervisors
1KI 5:16 Solomon had 3,300 supervisors.
2CH 2:2 He had 3,600 supervisors.
Answer:
1 Kings most likely designates the other 300 overseers separately from the total number of supervisors, as seen in 2 Chron 8.10. These 300 may have been the reserves since such a huge task would require extra supervisors.
Solomon’s Pillars where 18 or 35 Cubits
1KI 7:15-22 The two pillars were 18 cubits high apiece.
2CH 3:15-17 They were 35 cubits high.
Answer:
Most likely one records each of the 2 pillars height, the other records the combine height.
Solomon’s Molten Sea held 2k or 3k Baths
1KI 7:26 Solomon’s “molten sea” held 2000 “baths” (1 bath = about 8 gallons).
2CH 4:5 It held 3000 “baths.”
Answer:
Both are correct, it would be filled up to different heights depending on the needs of the ceremony.
God Dwells in Light or Darkness
1KI 8:12, 2CH 6:1, PS 18:11 God dwells in thick darkness.
1TI 6:16 God dwells in unapproachable light.
Answer:
Beyond the thick darkness of space you come to a place of unapproachable light which is the throne of God (Ex 20.21, 24.17).
God Does or Does Not Dwell in Temples Made By Man
1KI 8:13, AC 7:47 Solomon, whom God made the wisest man ever, built his temple as an abode for God.
AC 7:48-49 God does not dwell in temples built by men.
Answer:
God is everywhere all the time. Acts reveals the truth about God’s presence that it is omnipresent, and that to find God spiritually you are not to look in a temple, but by faith come to Him in your heart.
How Much Gold of Ophir Was Brought to Solomon
1KI 9:28 420 talents of gold were brought back from Ophir.
2CH 8:18 450 talents of gold were brought back from Ophir.
Answer:
There were multiple trips to Ophir with variant amount of gold throughout Solomon’s time.
Asa Did or Did Not Remove the High Places
1KI 15:14 Asa did not remove the high places.
2CH 14:2-3 He did remove them.
Answer:
Asa removed the high places during his reign, however overtime just like weeds, idols and high places continued to spring up everywhere. This is a problem Asa would have continually fought.
Baasha Died in the 26th or 36th Year of Asa
1KI 16:6-8 Baasha died in the 26th year of King Asa’s reign.
2CH 16:1 Baasha built a city in the 36th year of King Asa’s reign.
Answer:
There are two possibilities; the first is this was a copyists error and that it was supposed to be on the 25th year of Asa’s reign that Baasha fortified Ramah. The second possibility is that it was common to note a kings reign not necessarily when they took a throne but rather when a significant event took place, like the peace of the land after a great war. This is something we see in 2 Chron 15.19.
Omri Became King in the 31st or 38th Year of Asa
1KI 16:23 Omri became king in the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign and he reigned for a total of twelve years.
1KI 16:28-29 Omri died, and his son Ahab became king in the thirty- eighth year of Asa’s reign. (Note: Thirty-one through thirty-eight equals a reign of seven or eight years.)
Answer:
This is a complex plot of betrayal, overthrow and murder. Elah became rightful king but one of his generals, Zimir conspires and kills the king. Zimri the traitor begins to reign in the twenty seventh year of Asa. He rules for only seven days (1 Kings 16.5) but is overthrown by Omri another general. Omri immediately begins to face Tibni (v.21) a rival king with a large support of Israel. When his rival dies he becomes the undisputed king of Israel (v23). However his total reign from Asa’s 27th year to Asa’s 38th year is twelve years.
Does God Permit Lying Spirits
1KI 22:23, 2CH 18:22, 2TH 2:11 God himself causes a lying spirit.
PR 12:22 God abhors lying lips and delights in honesty.
Answer:
God is sovereign over all creation and His creatures, and permits evil beings to work within humanity, however He does no evil. God loves truth and hates lies and dishonesty because it is opposed to His ways.
Jehoshaphat Did or Did Not Remove the High Places
1KI 22:42-43 Jehoshaphat did not remove the high places.
2CH 17:5-6 He did remove them.
Answer:
2 Chronicles 20.33 confirms he did not removed them all, confirming 1 Kings 22.43
How Many People Have Gone to Heaven
2KI 2:11 Elijah went up to heaven.
JN 3:13 Only the Son of Man (Jesus) has ever ascended to heaven.
2CO 12:2-4 An unnamed man, known to Paul, went up to heaven and came back.
HE 11:5 Enoch was translated to heaven.
Answer:
In John 3 Jesus is explaining what He will do after His work on earth on the cross. No man has ever resurrected and bodily went into heaven like Christ. Neither Elijah nor Enoch died and Paul visited Heaven spiritually. No one has even gone from being a heavenly being to earth and ascended again like Christ.
Was Jesus the First to Raise form the Dead
2KI 4:32-37 A dead child is raised (well before the time of Jesus).
MT 9:18-25, JN 11:38-44 Two dead persons are raised (by Jesus himself).
AC 26:23 Jesus was the first to rise from the dead.
Answer:
Being the first to rise from the dead is to take part in the Resurrection to eternal life. There have been many that have been received back from the dead, only for those individuals to die again. Jesus was the first fruits of the resurrection to eternal life and a glorified body (1 Corin 15.20).
Ahaziah was 22 or 42 When He Began to Reign
2KI 8:25-26 Ahaziah was 22 years old when he began his reign.
2CH 22:1 He was 42 when he began his reign. (KJV, NKJV, ASV, NRSV)
Answer:
The original text in 2 Chron 22 has a peculiar wording; as it called Ahaziah a ‘son of 42 years’ in verse 2, this may be a reference not to his age but where he fit in the lineage of Omri’s family dynasty, or the age of his family’s rule, which fits the timeline. The Syriac and Arabic manuscripts do say 22 years so this may have been a copyist’s error, credence is given to this explanation as his father died at the age of forty. Alternatively Ahaziah may have began reigning with his Father when he was 22 and took the throne at 42.
Ahaziah Died in Meggido or Jehu
2KI 9:27 Jehu shot Ahaziah near Ibleam. Ahaziah fled to Meggido and died there.
2CH 22:9 Ahaziah was found hiding in Samaria, brought to Jehu, and put to death.
Answer:
These are two different people. 2 Kings describes Jehu after shooting Ahaziah goes to Samaria and kills many members of the royal family (2 Kings 10.12-14). Ahaziah in 2 Chronicles 22.9 is a son of Jehosophat (not a grandson), and 2 Chronicles 21.2 Jehosophat had 2 sons names Azariah.
King of Syria Did or Did Not Conquer Ahaz
2KI 16:5 The King of Syria and the son of the King of Israel did not conquer Ahaz.
2CH 28:5-6 They did conquer Ahaz.
Answer:
In 2 Kings Syrian/ Israel confederacy sieged Jerusalem where Ahaz had retreated but they did not overtake the city. However they did overtake large portions of Judah. 2 Chronicles is referring to the defeat of the outlying regions even though they did not capture Jerusalem, this is all outlined in 2 Chronicles 28. 5-8.
Jehoiachin was 18 or 8 When He Began to Reign
2KI 24:8 Jehoiachin (Jehoiakim) was eighteen years old when he began to reign.
2CH 36:9 He was eight. (KJV, NKJV)
2KI 24:8 Jehoiachin (Jehoiakim) reigned three months.
2CH 36:9 He reigned three months and ten days.
Answer:
Some scholars state that Jehoiachin began co-reigning with his father when he was eight. The idea the Jehoiachin became co-regent with his father is very compelling in light of the imminent Babylonian threat, and his father wanting to secure an heir. Other scholars argue this to be a copyist’s error in the Masoretic text, as it is very simple to miss a letter that indicates a one in the word for eighteen in Hebrew.
Jehoiachin Was Succeeded by His Brother or Uncle
2KI 24:17 Jehoiachin (Jehoaikim) was succeeded by his uncle.
2CH 36:10 He was succeeded by his brother.
Answer:
Jehoiachin was the son of Jehoiakim, brother to Jehoiakim and uncle to Jehoiachin. 2 Chronicles 36.10 only briefly mentions Jehoiachin and its easy to think they are the same person. But 1 Chronicles 3.15 and Jeremiah 37.1 makes it clear they were different people.
Joram Was Father to Ahaziah or Uzziah
2CH 3:11-13 The lineage is: Joram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah, Azariah, Jotham.
MT 1:8-9 It is: Joram, Uzziah, Jotham, etc.
Answer:
Genealogies omit certain people for various reasons. The term son is flexible in Hebrew tradition.
God Is or Is Not Partial
2CH 19:7, AC 10:34, RO 2:11 There is no injustice or partiality with the Lord.
RO 9:15-18 God has mercy on (and hardens the hearts of) whom he pleases.
Answer:
God shows no partiality to anyone but gives all equal opportunity for everyone to seek his mercy.
Ezra and Nehemiah Census Discrepancy
Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 Math Discrepancy (Ezra gives a sum of those that returned from Persia at 29,818 and Nehemiah gives a sum of 31,089)
Answer:
Both books agree on the total of Israel’s congregation at 42,360, plus singers and servants which would come closer to 50k. Each list contains different groups of people, with Ezra excluding certain groups due to age requirements.
The Wicked Perish or Flourish
JB 2:3-6, 21:7-13, 2TI 3:12 The godly are persecuted and chastised but the wicked grow old, wealthy, and powerful, unchastised by God.
PS 55:23, 92:12-14, PR 10:2-3, 27-31, 12:2, 21 The lives of the wicked are cut short. The righteous flourish and obtain favor from the Lord.
Answer:
This is answered in Psalms 73, and both are true and exist as a paradox for the lives of many. Many good people live their lives and based on circumstances are persecuted for it, while others live in peace. At various times the wicked have thrived however the end result of the wicked is always destruction, if not in this life then the next.
God is Near or Far Off
PS 10:1 God cannot be found in time of need. He is “far off.”
PS 145:18 God is near to all who call upon him in truth.
PS 22:1-2 God sometimes forsakes his children. He does not answer.
PS 46:1 God is a refuge, a strength, a very present help.
Answer:
The Psalmist is displaying his feelings, seeking God in his time of need and by verse 17 we see that God does hear him. This principle we see in Luke 18.7, that God’s people are to continually reach out to Him.
God’s Anger Last Forever or Momentary
PS 30:5, JE 3:12, MI 7:18 God’s anger does not last forever.
JE 17:4, MT 25:46 It does last forever. (He has provided for eternal punishment.)
Answer:
For God’s children it is momentary, like a Father disciplining His children. For the enemies of God it is eternal.
The Righteous Rejoice or Not at the Fall of the Wicked
PS 58:10-11 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees vengeance.
PR 24:16-18 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls or stumbles.
Answer:
The righteous does rejoice when justice is done because he knows that a right judgement is good, however we still regret that a wrong was committed in the first place. We are not to rejoice that a wicked person has stumbled in their wickedness because we desire all people to do good and what is right, and we are not to take pleasure in their suffering from a selfish, sensual point of view.
The Earth Lasts Forever or Will Perish
PS 78:69, EC 1:4, 3:14 The earth was established forever.
PS 102:25-26, MT 24:35, MK 13:31, LK 21:33, HE 1:10-11, 2PE 3:10 The earth will someday perish.
Answer:
The Earth was meant to be an eternal creation from the beginning but sin has corrupted all of creation, including the Earth. The essence of the Earth will exist forever but it will be recreated or remade into a New Earth (Rev 21.1). Not dissimilar from how we will be resurrected and remade with new bodies however we will still be the same person.
Additionally the Hebrew word for ‘forever’ is Olam, which can mean ongoing or continues forward, in the context not necessarily meaning in an eternal sense.
Wisdom Lead to Happiness or Is Useless
PR 3:13, 4:7, 19:8, JA 1:5 Happy is the man who finds wisdom. Get wisdom.
LK 2:40, 52 Jesus was filled with wisdom and found favor with God.
1CO 1:19-25, 3:18-20 Wisdom is foolishness.
PR 12:2, RO 8:28 A good man obtains favor from the Lord.
TI 3:12, HE 12:6 The godly will be persecuted.
PR 14:8 The wisdom of a prudent man is to discern his way.
MT 6:25-34 Take no thought for tomorrow. God will take care of you.
PR 14:15-18 The simple believe everything and acquire folly; the prudent look where they are going and are crowned with knowledge.
MT 18:3, LK 18:17 You must believe as little children do.
1CO 1:20, 27 God has made the wisdom of the world foolish so as to shame the wise.
Answer:
When someone does not understand something, or you don’t believe that is said, it sounds like foolishness to them, and not wisdom. This is the concept that is being explained in Corinthians 1 and 3. People who think this way about the wisdom of God will be shown that their own wisdom (or human understanding) is foolishness. We are to have the faith of a child in believing our Heavenly Father, however be wise in the ways the God desires us to be wise.
God Desires the Wicked to Repent or Be Damned
PR 16:4 God made the wicked for the “day of evil.”
MT 11:25, MK 4:11-12 God and Jesus hide some things from some people.
JN 6:65 No one can come to Jesus unless it is granted by God.
RO 8:28-30 Some are predestined to be called to God, believe in Jesus, and be justified.
RO 9:15-18 God has mercy on, and hardens the hearts of, whom he pleases.
2TH 2:11-12 God deceives the wicked so as to be able to condemn them.
1TI 2:3-4, 2PE 3:9 [Yet] God wants all to be saved.
JN 12:32 Jesus implies that all persons will be saved.
TI 2:3-4, 2PE 3:9 God wants all to be saved.
JN 12:40, AC 2:21, 2:39, RO 9:27, 10:13 Some will not be saved.
Answer:
This is not a contradiction in the Bible but rather is a needed understanding in the theology of predestination and salvation. God desires all men to be saved and know Him, however the righteous shall walk by faith, and God knows those who are His since He is omnipotent (2 Tim 2.19). Everyone has had an opportunity to believe and put their faith in Christ and on those God will have mercy, however those who do (will) not, are damned and with a hardened heart that will not turn from sin.
We Are to Fear God or Love God
PR 8:13, 16:6 It is the fear of God that keeps men from evil.
1JN 4:18 There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear.
1JN 5:2, 2JN 1:6 Those who love God keep his commandments.
Answer:
When you are born again you have two natures, a carnal (flesh) and spiritual nature (Romans 7.23). One day believers will be with God in eternity and experience perfect love with God forever without sin ever being a block between us and God. Until this time, because of our carnal nature we are to fear the Lord in keeping from sin at the very least knowing the consequences thereof (Exodus 20.20).
Answer a Fool or Do Not
PR 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him
PR 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
Answer:
This proverb articulates a dilemma in speaking with fools. It is teaching you not to speak like them or you will be like them, However, answer them in addressing the problem they are presenting.
Does God Use Deception
PR 30:5 Every word of God proves true.
JE 8:8 The lying pen of the scribes has handled it (God’s word) falsely
JE 20:7, EZ 14:9, 2TH 2:11-12 God himself deceives (persuades) people.
Answer:
People are capable of twisting God’s word, its how every false religion has been conceived over the centuries. God does not deceive people deliberately, but rather allows them to deceive themselves who will not seek and love the truth but trade it in for lies (Rom 1.25).
God Stand or Sits to Judge
IS 3:13 God stands to judge.
JL 3:12 He sits to judge.
Answer:
Yes, He does both
God Created Alone or With Jesus
IS 44:24 God created heaven and earth alone.
JN 1:1-3 Jesus took part in creation.
Answer:
Yes, Jesus is God
Was Jesus Buried with Others or Alone
IS 53:9 Usually taken to be a prophecy re: Jesus, mentions burial with others.
MT 27:58-60, MK 15:45-46, LK 23:52-53, JN 19:38-42 Jesus was buried by himself.
Answer:
When you are buried in a cemetery, you are alone in your grave and buried amidst others.
Sowing Reaps Good or Bad Things
JE 12:13 Some sow wheat but reap thorns.
MI 6:15 Some sow but won’t reap anything.
MT 25:26, LK 19:22 Some reap without sowing.
2CO 9:6, GA 6:7 A man reaps what he sows.
Answer:
The term sowing and reaping is a agricultural or farming term used to understanding planting seeds (sowing) and after the plants have grown, you reap them in a harvest to eat. This activity can be used for many different metaphorical pictures that may point to various different literary points that someone wants to portray. The context is what matters.
Jeremiah and Micah use this metaphor to demonstrate they are about to reap judgment for what they have done (as seen in Deut 28). Matthew and Luke are using it to portray a ruthless ruler that is reaping what he did not sow. 2 Corinthians and Galatians use it as a broad or generalize sense.
God Loves All or Some
JE 32:18 God shows love to thousands, but brings punishment for the sins of their fathers to many children.
2CO 13:11, 14, 1JN 4:8, 16 God is a god of love.
Answer:
Depending on the sins of the Fathers and the reactions or action of their children, there are many circumstances where calamity has fallen to future generations, including the consequences of past sins or bad deeds. God is just and loving.
Zedekiah Died in Peace or Torment
JE 34:4-5 Zedekiah was to die in peace.
JE 52:10-11 Instead, Zedekaih’s sons are slain before his eyes, his eyes are then put out, he is bound in fetters, taken to Babylon and left in prison to die.
Answer:
Zedekiah was not to live a glamorous life but rather to die in peace, regardless if it was in a palace or prison, after the war and battles took place. Looking at Jeremiah 34.4-5 God simply tells him he will not die in battle or be executed.
The Law Was Good or Bad
EZ 20:25-26 God gave the Israelites a law that was not good. The sacrifice of children was for the purpose of horrifying the people so that they would know that God is Lord.
RO 7:12, 1TI 1:8 The law is good.
Answer:
God’s law is good. When they began to disobey God allowed them to follow the laws of other nations which was to horrify them in child sacrifice. God gave them over to this reprobate mind as in Rom 1.24, Ps 81.12. Verse 31 shows God wrath towards this type of behavior.
Did the Prophecy of Tyre Fail
EZ 26:15-21 God says that Tyre will be destroyed and will never be found again.
(Nebudchanezzar failed to capture or destroy Tyre. It is still inhabited.)
Answer:
Nebuchadnezzar did not totally destroy all the inhabitants of Tyre since it was a seaside city, many escaped to the large island fortress off the coast. Nebuchadnezzar’s siege and looting of the city was rewarded by God in Ezekiel 29.18-20, as the mainland destruction was fulfilled as seen in verse 7-11. We find in Verse 3 that multiple nations would be involved in the final destruction of the nation of Tyre.
The complete destruction of the city was so intense that even the irt would be scrapped off the bottoms of the stones and the debris of the city thrown into the water (verse 3-5) and it would never be rebuilt.
This complete destruction of Tyre was completely fulfilled when Alexander the Great came along and decimated all the inhabitants including the island fortress by using the debris of the city to build a causeway to the island, literally scraping it bare. Modern day Tyre was not constructed on this ancient site, today it is a barren rock and is used by fishermen today to lay their nets.
Was Belshazzar King or Viceroy
DN 5:1 (Gives the title of “king” to Belshazzar although Belshazzar was actually the “viceroy.”)
Answer:
A Viceroy is someone that speaks on behalf of another; if you are speaking on behalf of the king you quite literally have access to his assets (Daniel 2.48).
Belshazzar’s Father was Nebuchadnezzar or Nebonidus
DN 5:2 (Says that Nebuchadnezzar was the father of Belshazzar, but actually, Nebonidus was the father of Belshazzar.) (Note: Some versions attempt to correct this error by making the verse say that Nebuchadnezzar was the grandfather of Belshazzar.)
Answer:
The Hebrew term for son was flexible as it often refers to the male descendant. A grandson is often called a ‘son’ of someone (as seen in Genesis 23.3-5).
Was Jeremiah the Source for 30 Pieces of Silver
ZE 11:12-13 Mentions “thirty pieces” and could possibly be thought to be connected with the Potter’s Field prophesy referred to in Matthew.
MT 27:9 Jeremiah is given as the source of the prophesy regarding the purchase of the Potter’s Field. (Note: There is no such prophesy in Jeremiah.)
Answer:
In ancient times, manuscripts where often bound together and called by one name. The prophetic books of Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel, etc. where bound together and often called Jeremy, since that was the first or starting book. It was common for the Rabbis to say that the Spirit of Jeremiah was in Zechariah.
Similar to how the Pentateuch is bound together and called the five books of Moses.
It should also be mentioned that there is a resemblance to this in Jeremiah 32.8-9 in which Jeremiah paid 17 pieces of silver for the potter’s field. Prophecies often have a foreshadowing of one another or semblance of one another.
References
List of the Biggest Contradictions in the Bible – Faith Founded on Fact
Answering Supposed Contradictions in the Bible | Genesis Park
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