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Did God Speak About Offerings and Sacrifices?

Some argue that the Bible is contradictory concerning the question, “Did God speak about offerings and sacrifices the day of deliverance from Egypt?” The argument is that Jeremiah 7:22 says that he did not, while Exodus 20:24 says that he did. However, there is a very simple explanation that resolves this alleged contradiction.

Scriptures – Did God Speak About Offerings and Sacrifices?

Jeremiah 7:22 – God Did Not Speak About Offerings and Sacrifices

For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Jeremiah 7:22

Exodus 20:24 – God Did Speak About Offerings and Sacrifices

An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.
Exodus 20:24

The Answer

The Phrase, “the Day,” Is Specific

Jeremiah 7:22 refers to “the day” that God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. On this particular day, God did not speak about offerings and sacrifices.

It was not until the Israelites reached Mount Sinai, about three months later, in Exodus 20:24, that God spoke about offerings and sacrifices.

On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.
Exodus 19:1

The specific “day” that the Israelites were delivered from Egypt is considered a significant day in the Bible:

40 The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years. 41 At the end of 430 years, ”’on that very day”’, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt… 51 And ”’on that very day”’ the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts… 13:3 Then Moses said to the people, “”’Remember this day”’ in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
Exodus 12:40-41, 51, 13:3

Foundational Principles Regarding Bible Difficulties

There are some foundational principles that apply to all alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible. To read more, see Bible Difficulties: Foundational Principles.