301. Did God originally create humans male and female?
Yes (Matthew 19:4, Genesis 1:27)
Right.
No, God created a man first, then animals and then a woman. (Genesis 2:7, 18-20, 21-22)
Very wrong. It is unacceptable to give quotes from Genesis to support this thesis at the same time neglecting Genesis 1:27 where the occurrences of the sixth day are described: creation of man and wife, in combination with the animals at the days 5 and the first part of day 6 (Genesis 1:20-23, 24-25).
Genesis 2 does not and can not represent a chronological order as there are many flash backs in it. It is very headstrong of the critic to come up always with the same weak arguments concerning the biblical creation stories.
No Contradiction
302. Was Jesus born in a house or a manger?
In a manger, because there was no room in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7)
Wrong. Jesus was born in a stable or in the house of a shepherd and not in a manger. He was laid in a manger after his birth: "she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger,"
In a house (Matthew 2:1-1, 11)
Not sure. The reason that angels addressed some shepherds at night (Luke) is to be taken as follows. The owner of a house (with or without stables) is the master of the house and responsible to know who is under his roof. Probably for that reason there was a divine revalation to make known who was in the house/stable of one of the shepherds. It seems that Mary and Joseph were offered to stay some time longer in the house of the shepherd or that they rented a house in Bethlehem as the wise men came much later, who visited them in a house (Matthew 2:11). Joseph and Mary certainly wanted to cooperate with the fulfilling of the prophecy that the Messiah was from Bethlehem.
No Contradiction
303. Was David a man of war before he fought Goliath?
Yes (1 Samuel 16:18)
Partly right. About David: “…I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skilful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.” The definition of warrior (Hebr. Isch milchamah) is a man ready for war (slinger in this case). Men of the age of 20 and older had to serve in the army (Numbers 26:2). Not being mobilized David was probably some years younger and trained as a volunteer (as a slinger). He was without battle experience before the confrontation with Goliath.
No (1 Samuel 17:33)
Partly right. Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.” The words of Saul are rather controversial. He says that Goliath was a ‘warrior from his youth’ suggesting that David was in his youth and not able to fight against him. Indeed, David was well trained on the sling and could certainly stand in the army as a slinger. However Saul didn’t have much confidence in the fighting power of the young man he knew as a musician.
No Contradiction
304. Did Elisha receive Elijah's mantle before or after Elijah is taken up into heaven?
Before (1 Kings 19:19)
Right. There are several mantles of Elijah at stake. When Elijah called Elisha as a young man to follow him as a disciple, he gave him his mantle. Many years later at the end of Elijah’s ministry Elisha got another mantle of Elijah as a sign that he was chosen by God as Elijah’s right successor.
After (2 Kings 2:11-13)
Right. (see above)
No Contradiction
305. Is marriage a good thing?
Yes (Many references)
Right.
No (1 Corinthians 7:1, 7)
Wrong. “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. [to not be married]” It is not said here that it is wrong to be married, but that it is not wrong to be unmarried. Saying something is “good” does not mean its opposite is wrong. It is an encouragement to not have a low self-esteem not being married. That’s all.
No Contradiction
306. Was Mary (the mother of Jesus) blessed?
Yes, according to angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-28)
Right. “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” (KJV)
No, according to Jesus (Luke 11:27-28)
Wrong. “A certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (KJV) Jesus said ‘Yea’, which means YES, SURE. And then he is saying that those who hear the word of God and keep it are also blessed. So, He used Mary as a parable for all true believers being blessed as Mary.
No Contradiction
307. Should Christians be concerned with material things?
No, they shouldn't be. (Matthew 6:31, 34)
Wrong. The critic forgot to refer to verse 33, there is the key to not be worried about all your personal problems. We have to start with seeking God’s Kingdom, that should be our first concern, the rest will be given to us (second concern).
(31) “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’”
(33) “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
(34) “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Yes, they should be. (1 Timothy 5:8)
Wrong. It is not primarily a material thing to live and work for our family. It is a real Christian duty to love our neighbors; in fact our family members are the first neighbors we should love. Nevertheless our relation with the Lord Jesus Christ is our primary concern. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
No Contradiction
308. Is it OK to eat meat sacrificed to other gods?
Sure, a little meat never hurt anybody. Besides, the other gods don't exist. (1 Corinthians 6:13, 8:4-8, 10:25, 27)
Partly right. The other gods don’t exist as gods, but as powers (e.g. of nature, of the soul etc.). It was not forbidden to buy meat at the market without asking whether it was from slaughtered animals for a god (sacrificed to other gods).
No, the other gods are devils. (1 Corinthians 10:20- 21, 28)
Partly right. What people see as gods in many religions are not gods but only powers. Oftentimes these powers become evil powers (demons) in the experience of man. They want to take the place of the one supreme God in the imagination of man. And indeed the evil one, who is God’s opponent, and his angles have the power to use idolatry to influence people in a negative way.
No Contradiction
309. Was Moses meek?
Yes, he was the meekest man who ever lived. (Numbers 12:3)
Right.
No, he was vicious and cruel. (Numbers 31:14-18)
"15 And Moses said to them, “Have you spared all the women? 16 Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the Lord. 17 Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man intimately…”
Wrong. Moses just followed the current law of the war ban. The Midianites had tried to destroy the Israelites. The women of Midian had invited the Israelites for an intersexual Baal festival to break the power of the Israelites. These women taking part in the hostilities acted as soldiers, and the war ban in normal wars coming over the male army including the young soldiers, now also came fully over the women. This terrible bloodshed was the result of Moses application of the rules of war at that time. He could not make another decision. It is not for nothing that the law exists. Even among Christians the law seems to be forgotten sometimes. However Jesus fulfilling the law with his death shows that a right understanding of the law is still essential in the Christian life.
See the article.
No Contradiction
310. Is God merciful?
God is kind, merciful, and good. (22 instances)
Right.
God is cruel, unmerciful, and evil. (13 instances)
Wrong. Romans 11:22
The critic fails to understand the subject he is criticizing. God is a loving Father for those who know him; and He is also a righteous Judge for those who act outrageously against him and or man (Romans 2:6). Is God then a moral monster who loves to see blood? Nonsense. All the instances show that God did not let sin go unpunished. He is not cruel, only righteous. Moreover He demonstrates his mercy “in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
See the article.
Also compare the article: Does God destroy both the righteous and the wicked?”
No Contradiction
311. Will the Messiah be a descendant of David?
Yes (2 Samuel 7:12-13)
Right.
No (Mark 12:35-37)
"And Jesus began to say, as He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?
36 David himself said in the Holy Spirit, "‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet.”’
37 David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; so in what sense is He his son?” And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him.
Very wrong. Jesus does not suggest that the Christ is not a son of David, but He asks how it is possible that this son of David is called “Lord” by David. Jesus is suggesting that the Christ is not a pure natural son of David, but a divine son of David. That is only possible if there is a supernatural conception for this Son of David.
See for the same question: SAB 423.
No Contradiction
312. How many children did Michal have?
Michal had no child. (2 Samuel 6:23)
“Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.”
Wrong. Just before this statement of the biblical writer Michal had humiliated David in public and it is clear that from that moment onwards she didn’t have children any longer.
Michal had five children. (2 Samuel 21:8)
Right. When David was on the run from king Saul, Michal was given to Adriel her half-brother. Adriel was the husband of her sister Merab who apparently died soon and her sister Michal was given to her husband Adriel. Michal had five sons with Adriel. Later after the death of Adriel she was given to Paltiel.
See the article.
No Contradiction
313. Did the Israelites kill every male in Midian?
Yes (Numbers 31:7, 16-17)
Wrong. Only the Midianites who lived in the region of Moab (Numbers 22:3); they had been hostile against the Israelites.
No (Judges 6:1-2, 5)
Right. In the time of the judges (after Moses and Joshua) it was Gideon who had to encounter in battle against Midianites.
No Contradiction
314. How many people did God kill for “committing whoredom with the daughters of Moab”?
The critic falsely assumes that “God kills people.” Well, God didn’t, doesn’t and will not kill. It is the evil one, who is the manslayer from the beginning (John 8:44). Yes, indeed God’s righteous judgements concerning people who broke all possible moral laws will certainly reach them by the normal powers of LIFE, that pays back. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8).
23,000 (1 Corinthians 10:8)
Wrong. This was the number of people that died on the first day.
24,000 (Numbers 25:9)
Right. This was the number of people that died including the second day (or more days).
No Contradiction
315. How did God say the Moabites should be treated?
Do not fight against them or take their land. (Deuteronomy 2:9)
Right. This was God’s command to Moses before the hostilities of the Moabites, as it was a brother nation. But when the Moabites tried to destroy the Israelites the attitude of the Israelites changed as they were permitted to defend themselves according to the then usual rules of war.
Kill them and take their land. (Judges 3:28-30, Jeremiah 48:2).
Right. Later in history the above described pattern repeated itself sometimes when the Moabites revealed themselves as suppressors of the Israelites.
No Contradiction
316. Did any Moabite enter the congregation of the Lord?
No (Deuteronomy 23:3, Nehemiah 13:1)
Right. No male Moabite was permitted.
Yes (Ruth 1:4, 4:13,17)
Wrong. Ruth was a female and apparently didn’t fall under the exclusion of Moabite men.
No Contradiction
317. Is Money good or bad?
Money is the answer to all of life's problems. (Ecclesiastes 10:19)
“Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything.” (literal: and money answers all.)
Very wrong. This statement is not a prescript to obey nor advice to do, nor a proverb to learn to live by. Of course not. It is an observation of how it goes on in life and we feel sad about it. Immediately thereafter it is said “…do not curse a king, … do not curse a rich man.” So we have here an antithesis, two extremes. And the Bible encourages us to not be triggered by one of them, but to walk steady with the Lord.
Money is the source of all evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Right. Take note: It is not said that money is always evil. Of course not, everybody is in need of it. But if there is evil somewhere in the world, it has always to do with money in a negative way. “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
No Contradiction
318. Was Moses in good mental and physical health at age of 120?
Yes (Deuteronomy 34:7)
Right. “…his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.”
No (Deuteronomy 31:2)
“I can no more go out and come in;” (KJV)
Wrong. To go out and to come in was a particular expression for soldiers and kings going to war (Joshua 14:11, 1 Kings 3:7, 2 Chronicles 1:10, Jeremiah 17:19). Moses said here that he was not able to go out to war and to return from war. He did not say that he was in bad mental or physical condition.
No Contradiction
319. Who was Moses’ father-in-law?
Jethro (Exodus 3:1, 4:18, 18:1, 5)
Right. This is the first name of Moses’ father-in-law. He is also named Reuel (see down).
Hobab (Judges 4:11, Numbers 10:29)
Wrong. This is the son of Jethro, Moses’ brother-in-law.
– Judges 4:11. “Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, from the sons of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses,” Better translation (retroactive genitive, receding genitive): ‘from the sons of Hobab (son) of the father-in-law of Moses’. E.g. Genesis 3:2 “From the fruit of [not in the text] the trees of the garden we may eat;” (Wrong would be: “From the fruit, the trees of the garden, we may eat; …)
– Numbers 10:29. “Then Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law” (NASB). The critic doesn’t read correctly: Moses’ father-in-law refers to Reuel the Midianite and not to Hobab.
Reuel (Exodus 2:18-21)
Right. This is the second name of Jethro
No Contradiction
320. Was Moses a good speaker?
Yes (Acts 7:22)
Right. As the Prince of Egypt. When he spoke everyone immediately became silent. Because of his high position he was mighty in words (as Prince of Egypt).
No (Exodus 4:1-16)
Right. Moses complained that he lacked the gift of speaking eloquently. He knew that he lacked the talent to convince people in a simple and natural way. Of course this is not disagreeing with the former that he had power in words through his high position in the past.
See the article.
No Contradiction
321. Did Jesus preach his first sermon on a mountain or a plain?
On a mountain top (Matthew 5:1-3)
Right. Having chosen his disciples Jesus started to preach to them and the people on top of the mountain.
On a plain (Luke 6:17,20)
Wrong. Later on he went to a lower level, a plain, and he started to heal those who had not been able to climb up to the top. Then he taught them a second sermon with nearly the same content as the sermon on the mount (see above), but shorter.
See the article.
No Contradiction
322. What is God’s name?
Jehovah (Yahweh)
Partly right. Moses near the burning bush was reminded that the name of God was JHWH (LORD). It is the first name of God revealed in the scriptures already in Genesis 2 (second creation story) and it is generally referring to his might and greatness.
Jehovah is derived from it (not original).
Jealous
Right. Already in the Ten Commandments is said that the LORD is a JEALOUS GOD. God’s jealousy is not negative, childish or immature, but it is an inalienable part of his being. He is a Mighty Helper and always ready. This name is in fact an implication of the name Yahweh.
I am
Right. With this name Moses had to introduce himself among the Israelites as God’s messenger to set them free from Egypt. Meaning: I am here and now for you (also an implication of the name Yahweh).
Compare also: Was the name LORD obscure to Abraham? And: What Gods were worshipped in Israel?
See the article.
No Contradictions
323. What’s new?
Nothing is, or will be, new. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
“That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.”
Right. On earth (under the sun!) all things are connected with the Fall of Man. Things as love and hate; fear and gladness, rich and poor and so on will indeed always remain on earth. The reason why these things can’t satisfy fully is that they are always connected with the Fall of Man.
Some things are new. (several references)
“Behold I will do something new, …” (Isaiah 43:19)
“… if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Right. The work of God will always be new as it is not connected with sin.
No Contradiction
324. What is the correct new moon sacrifice?
2 bullocks, 1 ram and 7 lambs (Numbers 28:11)
Right.
1 bullock, 1 ram and 6 lambs (Ezekiel 46:6)
Wrong. Before the exile, the kings of Israel had a rather free relationship with the temple. Ezekiel also gave religious instructions for future political leaders. That’s the case here. The national political leader also received the duty to bring personal offerings, for the Sabbaths and for the days of the New Moon. The offerings of future political leaders for the New Moon were additional to the New Moon offerings of Numbers.
See the article.
No Contradiction
325. How many of Nicanor’s soldiers were killed?
This subject can’t be counted among Bible Contradictions. The critic should know that the books of the Machabees are not Bible Books at all.
5000 (1 Machabees 7:32.)
Wrong. This was the last battle between Judas Maccabeus and Nicanor in which Nicanor died. This last battle between Judas and Nicanor is mistakenly identified by the critic with the battle described in 2 Macchabees 8:24. It should be identified with that of 2 Macchabees 14:12-15:36.
9000 (2 Machabees 8:24)
Wrong. Wrong identification of battles by the critic. See above.
No Contradiction
No Bible Contradictions