Contradiction with Numbers 18:21
Contradicts by stating that the Levites shall have the tithe as their inheritance, not just a specific portion.
Numbers 18:21: And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Contradiction with Numbers 18:24
Contradicts by asserting that the Levites' inheritance is the tithes of Israel, without mentioning specific priestly dues.
Numbers 18:24: But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 14:27-29
Contradicts by providing guidance on sharing the tithe without mentioning specific portions for priests.
Deuteronomy 14:27-29: And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 2:13-14
Contradicts by describing a different custom for priests taking their portion.
1 Samuel 2:13-14: And the priests' custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
Contradiction with Nehemiah 10:37-38
Contradicts by outlining a different distribution, including Levites first, not priests directly.
Nehemiah 10:37-38: And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
Contradiction with Hebrews 7:5
Contradicts by focusing on tithes received by the sons of Levi from people, not the specific portions to priests.
Hebrews 7:5: And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 18:3 could be seen as a contradiction or inconsistency because it describes specific offerings and provisions for priests, which might appear to conflict with earlier instructions where priests are commanded to rely solely on God for their sustenance rather than receiving designated portions. This may create a tension between reliance on divine provision and prescribed offerings from the community.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 18:3 could present a contradiction if viewed in the context of differing beliefs about religious authority and sharing resources. While some may see it as a fair provision for religious leaders, others might see it as an unjust demand on people’s resources, leading to conflict over fairness and the role of religious institutions in people's lives.