Contradiction with Numbers 14:39-45
These verses describe the Israelites attempting to go up to battle against the Amalekites and Canaanites, despite being warned by Moses that God was not with them, resulting in their defeat. This contrasts with Deuteronomy 1:41 where the Israelites express their readiness to fight, believing they are following God's will.
Numbers 14:39-45: And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:42
This verse directly contradicts Deuteronomy 1:41 as it recounts God's command to not go up and fight because He would not be among them, ensuring defeat if they proceeded.
Deuteronomy 1:42: And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I [am] not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 1:41 mentions the Israelites admitting their sin and deciding to go to battle as God had originally commanded. A potential contradiction or inconsistency may arise because earlier, in Numbers, the same people had refused to go into battle when God commanded them. Now, deciding to fight after being told not to, shows a reversal in obedience, indicating inconsistent behavior in following divine instructions. This could create confusion about the timing and the willingness of the Israelites to follow God's command.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict could be that the people decide to go to battle after previously being told by God not to, suggesting a struggle between following divine guidance versus human decision-making.