Contradiction with Genesis 13:16
This verse promises Abraham's descendants will be countless like the dust of the earth, which contradicts being left few in number.
Genesis 13:16: And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered.
Contradiction with Exodus 32:13
God promises to multiply the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which contrasts with the reduction in number described in Deuteronomy 28:62.
Exodus 32:13: Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever.
Contradiction with Genesis 15:5
God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, contradicting the notion of being reduced to few.
Genesis 15:5: And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Contradiction with Genesis 17:4-6
God makes Abraham the father of many nations, implying a large number of descendants, contradicting few left in Deuteronomy 28:62.
Genesis 17:4-6: As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. [many...: Heb. multitude of nations]
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 27:23
David refuses to count those under twenty because God's promise ensures Israel is numerous, which opposes the reduction in Deuteronomy 28:62.
1 Chronicles 27:23: But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.
Contradiction with Genesis 22:17
The promise to multiply Abraham’s seed as the stars and sand contrasts with reducing the number described in Deuteronomy 28:62.
Genesis 22:17: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; [shore: Heb. lip]
Paradox #1
The verse implies a change in population size based on divine intervention. The contradiction lies in attributing changes in population solely to supernatural causes, whereas science typically explains population dynamics through natural factors such as birth rates, death rates, resources, and environmental conditions.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this verse could be the notion of punishment or suffering as a result of disobedience, which might seem inconsistent with the idea of a loving and forgiving deity. This raises questions about justice and the balance between punishment and mercy.