Contradiction with Exodus 21:14
This verse states that if a person schemes and kills someone deliberately, they are to be taken from God's altar to be put to death, contradicting the protection offered for accidental murder in Joshua 20:5.
Exodus 21:14: But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
Contradiction with Numbers 35:16
This verse specifies that someone who uses an iron instrument to kill is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death, contradicting the protection in cities of refuge for those who killed accidentally.
Numbers 35:16: And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:11-12
These verses describe that if a person hates their neighbor and lies in wait to attack and kill them, they should be handed over to the avenger of blood to die, contradicting the sanctuary offered in Joshua 20:5 for those who killed without enmity.
Deuteronomy 19:11-12: But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: [mortally: Heb. in life]
Contradiction with Leviticus 24:17
This verse mandates that whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death, which contradicts the provision of refuge in Joshua 20:5 for those who committed unintentional killing.
Leviticus 24:17: And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. [killeth...: Heb. smiteth the life of a man]
Contradiction with Numbers 35:31
This verse states that no ransom is accepted for the life of a murderer who is guilty and deserves death, contradicting the potential refuge cities offer as described in Joshua 20:5.
Numbers 35:31: Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. [guilty...: Heb. faulty to die]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in the verse might relate to the idea of providing protection to someone who has caused harm unintentionally. Some might see a conflict in offering refuge to a person involved in a death, even if accidental, as it could be perceived as allowing someone to escape justice. This could seem inconsistent with the broader moral expectation of accountability for one's actions.