Contradiction with Numbers 14:31
Deuteronomy 1:37 states that Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of the Israelites' collective guilt, but Numbers 14:31 reveals that God specifically prohibits the entry of the older generation due to their lack of faith, sparing the younger generation and Joshua/Caleb, without mentioning Moses' specific sin.
Numbers 14:31: But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.
Contradiction with Exodus 33:17
Here, God tells Moses He will do the thing he has spoken for Moses has found grace in His sight. It contrasts with Deuteronomy 1:37 where Moses experiences the consequence of the collective disfavor due to the people's actions.
Exodus 33:17: And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 3:26
This verse records Moses pleading with God to allow him to enter the land, but being denied because of the people's wrongdoing; here, Moses' ability to intercede seems more restrained than in other verses, suggesting a contradiction on personal accountability.
Deuteronomy 3:26: But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.
Contradiction with Numbers 20:12
This verse directly attributes Moses' barred entry to his own disobedience at Meribah, while Deuteronomy 1:37 attributes it to the people, showing a contradiction in the reason behind the judgment.
Numbers 20:12: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Contradiction with Psalm 106:32-33
It describes Moses getting into trouble because of the people's behavior at the waters of strife, backing up Deuteronomy 1:37, but then blames his spirit being provoked leading to rash speech—implying Moses had a personal failing absent in Deuteronomy 1:37's account.
Psalm 106:32-33: They angered [him] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 1:37 might seem inconsistent because it suggests Moses is being punished for the people's actions, possibly conflicting with other parts of the Bible where individual responsibility is emphasized. This could appear to contradict the concept of personal accountability.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Deuteronomy 1:37 could be that Moses blames the people for God's anger towards him. However, in other parts of the Bible, such as Numbers 20:12, it seems like his punishment is directly due to his own actions. This inconsistency can lead to different interpretations of why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Paradox #3
The moral conflict in Deuteronomy 1:37 could be seen in the idea of collective punishment. God is angry with Moses because of the actions of the people, which might seem unfair since it holds one individual responsible for the behavior of others. This raises questions about justice and responsibility.