Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:7
Deuteronomy 1:10 speaks of Israel's vast population, while this verse states God did not set His love on Israel because they were more numerous than other people, for they were the fewest.
Deuteronomy 7:7: The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people:
Contradiction with Judges 6:5
This verse describes the Midianites as being numerous like locusts, suggesting that Israel was not particularly numerous in comparison at that time.
Judges 6:5: For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; [for] both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 12:23
This verse lists the number of warriors who joined David at Hebron, which implies a smaller, more specific group rather than a vast population like the stars.
1 Chronicles 12:23: And these [are] the numbers of the bands [that were] ready armed to the war, [and] came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD. [bands: or, captains, or, men: Heb. heads]
Contradiction with Nehemiah 9:23
Although this verse acknowledges that descendants were multiplied like stars, contextually it refers to fulfillment over time, implying initial smaller numbers.
Nehemiah 9:23: Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess [it].
Contradiction with Isaiah 10:22
Despite the promise of numerous descendants, this verse speaks of a remnant of Israel returning, indicating a reduced number due to disobedience and exile.
Isaiah 10:22: For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. [of them: Heb. in, or, among, etc] [with: or, in]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 5:3
This verse suggests a scattered and smaller number due to judgment, contrasting the implication of a vast population.
Ezekiel 5:3: Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. [skirts: Heb. wings]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 1:10 mentions a large number of Israelites, suggesting a sizeable population during the time of wandering in the desert. Historically and archaeologically, evidence does not strongly support the existence of such a large group in that region during this period, leading to questions and debates about the historical accuracy of these numbers.